New winger and holder of the coolest of the season award Cristian Llama gets a start over Manuel Pasqual as Fiorentina go over a mini-makeover in anticipation of Tuesday's big match.
It can be said that spirits in the viola camp have never been this high. Two home games down and besides the bump with Napoli, Fiorentina are playing well and demonstrating fortitude and firepower. Many critics were impressed with the viola's 2-0 win over Catania last weekend which saw JoJo score his 4th of 3 games, and Luca Toni show that he's not just a father figure as he capped an emotional return with a goal. Parma have not had an easy ride this season going down 3-1 at Napoli last weekend but their resilience at the Tardini is noted and they will not make it easy for Fiorentina.
Ahead of Tuesday's match, of which the attendance is said to be 50,000, a new Franchi record, Montella is holding back some of his pieces and giving start to Llama, Cassani, and Matigol. We are going with our classic 3-5-2 with Viviano covered by Roncaglia, Tomovic, and Rodiriguez who support Cassani, Mati, Pizarro, Valero, and Llama behind JoJo and Ljalic. Toni will start off the bench as Fiorentina's extra weapon and El Ham, Aquilani, and Della Rocca still aren't fit.
Parma matches the 3-5-2 and starts with Mirante, covered by Zaccardo, Paletta, and Lucarelli supporting Rosi, Parolo, Valdes, Galloppa, and ex man Gobbi who are behind Pabon and Belfodil. Biabiany and Santacroce are ruled out of this one.
The important thing today is to take as many opportunities as we can with our set pieces (a Matigol speciality) and give Ljajic plenty of space. The important part of this match is Fiorentina need to demonstrate that they can win the matches that they're supposed to be winning as well as winning on the road. I wouldn't be opposed to eventually seeing Toni on the field again at some point. Parma is a warm up before the battle on Tuesday, lets get the three points!
FORZA VIOLA!