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Serie A Week 20 - 27/1/08 (14.00 UK)
Empoli-Fiorentina

Stadio Castellani

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The latest Tuscan derby sees Fiorentina take the short trip to Empoli with the two sides currently battling it out at opposite ends of the table.

Fiorentina seem to have recovered from their pre-Christmas wobble and are back in fine form. Their last three matches have seen the Viola rocket in nine goals while recording three consecutive victories – their best run of the season so far. That has seen the Gigliati rise into the Champions League places, even if there is only a narrow gap separating them from Udinese.

The Viola’s form isn’t the only thing that will be pleasing Coach Cesare Prandelli at the moment though, as he looks set to have a full squad at his disposal for this match. There are some concerns over midfielder Fabio Liverani, who suffered a calf strain in training, but it is still hoped that he will recover in time for the weekend’s derby. However, the big team news is that Giampaolo Pazzini and Dario Dainelli seem likely to be left out again for Christian Vieri and Per Kroldrup.

Rivals Empoli will be without midfielder Claudio Marchisio who is still injured, meaning Francesco Marianini should keep his place in the side. Also out is young striker Levan Mchedlidze, which could cause problems with Luca Saudati set to be axed by Coach Alberto Malesani, as it would leave them without a forward on the bench.

Malesani will still feel his team has a chance of causing a major upset in the heated derby atmosphere though. Despite their lowly League position in the relegation zone, the Azzurri’s defeat to fellow strugglers Livorno last week was only their second since the former Panathinaikos boss took control back in late November.

Their home form has been particularly encouraging, with Empoli having gone five matches undefeated. However, they need to start picking up some more wins if they are to scrape their way out of the relegation battle.

Keep an eye on: Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina) – Six goals in his last four games says it all. The Romanian forward has been in sensational form all season and is emerging as a real contender for the 2008 Capocannoniere crown.

Last season: Empoli 1-2 Fiorentina

Form guide: Empoli (W D D D L) Fiorentina (L D W W W)


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Empoli (probable): Balli; Raggi, Marzoratti, Pratali, Tosto; Busce, Moro, Marianini; Vannucchi, Giovinco; Pozzi

Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Ujfalusi, Kroldrup, Gamberini, Pasqual; Donadel, Liverani, Montolivo; Santana, Vieri, Mutu

Ref: To follow...

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