Serie A Match Preview: ACF Fiorentina vs. Parma FC
Viola going downhill
ACF Fiorentina were expected to challenge for a UEFA Champions league spot at the start of the season but their poor start means that the club is yet to register a victory. Much was expected of the club at the beginning of the Calcio campaign but the team
has failed the Voila faithful so far.
Fiorentina have only 2 points from their 4 opening matches while they managed a solitary draw against Genoa in their last outing. Sebastian Frey was the hero yet again for the Viola as the shot stopper made at least seven miraculous saves.
The club is presently undergoing a transition phase following Cesare Prandelli’s departure at the season’s start. Prandelli had been at the club since 2005 but his new appointment as the national team coach saw the tactician pack his bags and leave. Viola’s
poor start has left the new coach, Siniša Mihajlović under immense pressure to turn things around.
I Ducali going strong
Parma FC look to cement their place in the top flight this season after their impressive campaign last season. They look on the right track with five points from their opening four matches. I Ducali stand at a modest 10th place in the league.
Not bad for a club of Parma’s status.
Parma aren’t a strong side playing away from home as they frequently suffered on their travels last season, registering just four victories while nine defeats.
Team News:
Fiorentina
They have their three highly influential players Jovetic, Pasqual and D'Agostino out injured. Jovetic was the undoubted player of the year for Viola last season as his displays were breathtaking to say the least. Now, this playmaker forward is out for 6
months following his preseason injury. On the other hand, Pasqual and D’Agostino may return soon.
Expected Formation
Fiorentina could line up a 4-3-3 formation. Vargas and Cerci might flank the lone striker, Alberto Gilardino. Ricardo Montolivo may be responsible for dictating the tempo for Fiorentina. Donadel and Zanetti could complete the midfield trio while rising full
back, De Silvestri may play on the right with the Brazilian Felipe being deputized for injured Pasqual on the left.
Probable Lineup
Sebastian Frey, Lorenzo De Silvestri, Alessandro Gamberini, Per Kroldrup, Felipe, Ricardo Montolivo, Marco Donadel, Cristiano Zanetti, Alessio Cerci, Alberto Gilardino, and Juan Manual Vargas.
Parma
Daniele Galloppa, Alberto Paloschi and Sebestian Giovinco are out injured. Giovinco is out for a maximum of four weeks. His injury is a huge blow to Parma’s ambitions. The ‘atomic ant’ was in scintillating form during the early stages of the campaign following
his loan move for Juventus.
Expected Formation
Pasquale Marino is expected to field in a 4-3-3 formation, not dissimilar to the one Viola might be using. There is an intriguing midfield battle at hand as Blerim Džemaili, Massimo Gobbi and Stefano Morrone will all lock horns with the Viola midfield trio
for supremacy. The veteran forward, Henan Crespo along with Valeri Bojinov and Fernando Marques could make the attacking trident. Antonio Mirante will keep the gloves following his recent impressive form.
Probable Lineup
Antonio Mirante, Cristian Zaccardo, Paolo Hernán Dellafiore, Alessandro Lucarelli, Marco Pisano, Blerim Džemaili, Stefano Morrone, Massimo Gobbi, Valeri Bojinov, Hernan Crespo, and Fernando Marques.
Key Players
Juan Manual Vargas
The Peruvian sensation has been the standout left winger in Serie A for the last two seasons. His chemistry with Jovetic and Gilardino is really impressive. Following Gilardino’s recent slump in form, the winger will have to step up and score a few with
his bullet of a left foot.
Antonio Mirante
In the absence of Giovinco, Parma stand little if any chance of going from Stadio Artemio Franchi with any points. The Veteran goalkeeper could be called into action from time to time and his form on the day will be of critical importance to I Ducali.
Prediction
Parma have done well so far but a result against Fiorentina at Artemio Franchi seems to be a task too big for their mantle. Fiorentina look to set their Campaign back on track with a home victory and they will do just that. Finally, Viola to get the three
points with a 2 – 0 victory.
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