[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 4 - 23/9/07 (14.00 UK)
Catania-Fiorentina

Stadio Massimino

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Fiorentina take a trip to Sicily hoping to net their second seasonal victory, but Catania will be up for a battle. The Rossoblu are still unbeaten at home this term and will try to gain at least one point from this tie.

In last season’s encounter Fiorentina struggled in their quest for victory, but managed to win by a single goal.

The Viola have had a good run of results so far in this campaign. Claudio Prandelli’s men were unlucky to be hit by a late Riccardo Zampagna strike against Atalanta last weekend, and the Tuscans will have to avoid these kind of slips if they want to reach a Champions League spot.

Catania are still waiting for their first win of the season. The Sicilians lost 2-0 at Inter on Sunday, but kept their honour by fighting hard against the Italian champions. Coach Silvio Baldini is still banned, but his side have done reasonably well without his touchline antics so far.

There may be several changes in the Rossoblu starting line-up. Andrea Sottil is injured and his place is likely to be taken by Christian Terlizzi. Rocco Sabato should be the left-back with Chilean Juan Vargas moving forward to the midfield. Jorge Martinez may play as a trequartista, behind lone striker Gionatha Spinesi.

Fiorentina boss Prandelli may not be able to count on injured midfielders Alberto Santana and Martin Jorgensen. Manuel Pasqual will cover the left-back spot as Federico Balzaretti will be out for another two weeks. It’s unclear whether Riccardo Montolivo will be ready for action.

Swiss youngster Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Massimo Gobbi are in competition for a shirt, with the former slightly advantaged. After netting his first goal of the season against Atalanta, Christian Vieri will hoping to start at the centre of the Viola’s trident but may be left sitting on the bench. Giampaolo Pazzini should be Prandelli’s first choice, with Franco Semioli and Adrian Mutu on the flanks.

Keep an eye on: Gionatha Spinesi (Catania) – ‘Il Gabbiano’ is still chasing his first seasonal strike after netting 17 last term and the Rossoblu need his goals if they are to avoid relegation.

Last season: Catania 0-1 Fiorentina

Form guide: Catania (- - D D L) Fiorentina (- - W D D)


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Catania (probable): Bizzarri; Silvestri, Stovini, Terlizzi, Sabato; Baiocco, Edusei; Mascara, Martinez, Vargas; Spinesi

Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Ujfalusi, Gamberini, Dainelli, Pasqual; Donadel, Liverani, Kuzmanovic; Semioli, Pazzini, Mutu

Ref: To follow...

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