Italian Serie A preview: ACF Fiorentina – AC Cesena
Viola Struggles continue
Sinisa Mihajlovic is yet to make an impact with Viola as his side languishes 13th in the League. The Florence based outfit have been struggling for consistency as a host of key players are sideline with longer-term
injuries; Stevan Jovetic’s absence in particular has dearly hurt the Viola ambitions. Although the defeat to Roma on Wednesday was their first in five games in all competitions, the side now dwells just a solitary point above the relegation zone.
Mihajlovic’s job at the helm of Viola is hanging by a thread and anything less than three points might be the coach his marching orders. A home victory is thus the only option for under fire tactician. On a positive note, Alberto Gilardino
finally looks to have regained his form and in absence of Jovetic, the former Milan ace will have to embark on a scoring run for his side to get clear of the relegation zone.
Viola are undefeated at home since 3rd October and Mihajlovic will need to make sure the squad builds further on a modest home record.
Cesena the giant killers
The Sea Horses are struggling in the relegation zone with 11 points from as many games; the return to Serie A has been a struggle truly. To their credit however, Cesena have defeated two of the Serie A’s big guns in Lazio and AC Milan.
Cesena achieved the biggest result in their history when AC Milan were humiliated with a 2 – 0 score line. The lightning struck twice for the relegation favourites when league leaders SS Lazio were given the same medicine albeit with a 1 – 0 score line.
Cesena is level on points with four other sides and should they manage another upset tonight, Cavallucci Marini will break free of the relegation zone. To record such a feat, Massimo Ficcadenti’s men will have to play beyond their abilities
as Cesena has not won away from home so far this season.
Team News
ACF Fiorentina
Stevan Jovetic, Ricardo Montolivo, Sebastian Frey, Cristiano Zanetti, Felipe and Babacar are all out injured. Montolivo has gone surgery on his ankle that will see him sidelined for six weeks.
AC Cesena
Igor Budan and Fabio Caserta have been ruled out of this game due to injuries. Ficcadenti will have a near full strength squad to choose from.
Key Players
Alberto Gilardino
The former Rossoneri attacker has been blowing hot and cold this season and has started scoring only recently. Gilardino’s form will be crucial for Fiorentina this season if they are to finish in the top half of Serie A.
Emanuele Giaccherini
The diminutive winger was a complete unknown prior to this season but the Italian has schooled some of the best defenders in peninsula with his wing wizardry. Giaccherini will be crucial to Cesena game as he would look to stretch the Viola
defence before delivering the telling crosses.
Prediction
Viola are struggling for inconsistency while Cesena has a truly woeful away record. Fiorentina, even without so many stars, should be an opposition too tough for Cesena and thus will record an easy home victory. Fiorentina to win the match
2 – 0 with Gilardino finding the score sheet!
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