Fiorentina look to clear their heads against Genoa

Perhaps surprisingly to some, there is actual calcio to be played this weekend. I know, conflicting with the end of the transfer window and everything. And this match actually promises to be rather good. For the neutral that is, which means it'll be rather sweaty and anxious for us.

Genoa have fallen to 7th place - 3 behind Fiorentina - after the failure to win in any of their past 6 matches botched their excellent start. Il Grifone is fresh off of a bitterly-contested defeat in Naples, where they were sunk by a 75' penalty conversion from Gonzalo Higuain after coming back to draw level. They'll also be missing some key players, ex-Viola including Alessandro Matri (injured) and supposed Fiorentina target, Andrea Bertolacci (suspended). Rossoblu manager and handsome silver fox Gian Piero Gasperini will have to slightly change his team then, and will likely be playing ex-Milan prospect Mbaye Niang as the "false 9" in his fast and physical 4-3-3. Despite the changes, Genoa remain one of the better teams in Serie A, especially at home, where they have only lost 3 games all season. Facundo Roncaglia, a staple in Gasperini's side - is also expected to start in Genoa tomorrow.

As far as Vincenzo Montella goes, things also require a bit of tweaking, what with the departure of Juan Cuadrado to Chelsea, the absence of David Pizarro and Savic due to suspension, and the big Coppa Italia game against Roma looming on Tuesday. Milan Badelj has apparently recovered from injury enough to start this weekend, completing the midfield trio. Nenad Tomovic is once again expected to fill the third CB position in Savic's absence, as Montella appears ready to stick with the 3-5-2. Juan Manuel Vargas is also expected to start on the left wing.

Regarding the attack, it seems to be anyone's guess. The latest prediction is for Alessandro Diamanti to slot in behind Khouma Babacar, with Mario Gomez rested for the Coppa Italia game, but it is still possible for either of Baba or Alino to start from the bench.

Fiorentina are undefeated in 4, and looked much the better team at home against Roma last week. Hopefully with all the distractions of the week, a difficult match on the road will be exactly what this group needs to clear their heads and continue their positive play and results. Forza Viola!

PROJECTED LINEUPS

Genoa (3-4-3): Perin; Roncaglia, Burdisso, De Maio; Edenilson, Rincon, Sturaro, Kucka; Iago Falque, Niang, Perotti

FIORENTINA (3-5-1-1) TATARUSANU; TOMOVIC, GONZALO, SAVIC; JOAQUIN, MATI, BADELJ, BORJA VALERO, VARGAS; DIAMANTI; BABACAR