Fiorentina vs. Dinamo Minsk: lineups and match thread

Most of the pre-match reports suggested that Vincenzo Montella would give another (perhaps last?) chance to Josip Ilicic to prove himself and turn everyone over. Instead, Fiorentina coach opted for previously untested but theoretically great partnership of Mario Gomez and Marko Marin. Marin recently promised lots and lots of assists for the viola target man, and today is the first chance to show that.

While Marin starting isn't a surprise, Gomez was expected to be rested. However, with Khouma El Babacar's injury, and SuperMario's need to start scoring consistently, it is hardly surprising he is preferred to Ilicic. Oh, and the fact that he is an actual forward, the only one left in the team might have had something to do with Montella's decision.

The rest of the starting line up is more or less what we would expect. Milan Badelj is going to be watched very closely. Perhaps the biggest problem for Fiorentina in the last three seasons has been - how to replace David Pizarro. Everyone hopes that the Croatian international has what it takes, but so far we didn't see much from him.

Some might find it surprising that Juan Cuadrado is not among the regular first team players that are rested for this occasion, however, la vespa is suspended for the Serie A game against Cesena, so it makes sense that he should play against Belarus team.

In case you forgotten, Fiorentina is already through to the next phase of Europa League, as the winner of the group, so we can just relax and hopefully, enjoy the game. Although, it wouldn't hurt to win and further improve our UEFA coefficient.

Official lineups:

Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Richards, Tomovic, Gonzalo; Cuadrado, Kurtic, Badelj, Lazzari, Vargas; Marin, Gomez.

Dinamo Minsk: Gutor; Molosh, Politevich, Veretilo, Kontsevoi, Voronok, Simovic, Nikolic, Stasevic, Adamovic, Dja Djedje.