In what was supposed to be another fun matchup of the Frey brothers, Fiorentina travel to Verona to take on Chievo tomorrow. However, it looks like little Nicky is certainly out, while Bassy's calf is bothering him and it is not clear at this point if he will feature. There goes the easy story line, but the real story for the Viola is that 3 points are needed due to the tight table.
As we know, the Viola are one point off of upstart, 4th place Parma. Level on points with the Viola are Roma, Genoa and Samp. Genoa are looking a strong bet to take 3 points this weekend, as they are home against Bologna who have yet to win in 7 away matches this season. Fortunately for Fiorentina, Samp host Roma, so we can go ahead and ask the Football Gods for a draw in that match. Francesco has a nice take on that one. Also, let's not forget that AC David Beckham come to town next weekend, so getting all 3 points against Chievo is simply a must.
Team News:
For Fiorentina, Mutu's ok to defend himself, but not yet to play. Also out are Gobbi, Zanetti, Gamberini and possilby 'Bassy.
For Chievo, who really cares, all I know is that littly Nicky Frey is out and that Pelissier is playing so the Viola need to be on their toes.
Lineups, aka Blind Guess Dept.
Fiorentina: 4-2-3-1; Avramov/Bassy (hopefully Bassy, but if he's gotta miss a match, this one is ok with me); LDS, Dainelli, Kroldrup, Pasqual; Donadel, RickyMonty; Marchionni, Jo-Jo, Vargas; Gila Monster.
Chievo: 4-3-1-2: From Football Italia: Sorrentino; Sardo, Morero, Yepes, Mantovani; Luciano, Rigoni, Bentivoglio; Pinzi; Pellissier, Abbruscato.
TeeVee?
No dice this week. I'm going to have to miss this one because I'm going to be in marriage prep class with my fiancé. Feel free to use this space to do the usual exchange of streams.
Prediction Time:
Fiorentina are by far the better team, and will be very confident coming off of the win at Anfield. Having Jo-Jo and Vargas ready from the start should give Chievo plenty of problems. Plus, Chievo only have 2 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses in their 7 home matches so far. I'm going with a 2-0 to the Viola, with goals from Jo-Jo and Gila.
Forza Viola!