[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 24 - 24/2/08 (14.00 UK)
Roma - Fiorentina
LIVE ON FIVE
Stadio Olimpico

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Roma and Fiorentina have both stumbled in recent weeks but now seem to have recovered their footing. Neither side will want to let themselves or their fans down by losing more points on their rivals for a Champions League spot in this game.

The Giallorossi have all but surrendered the Scudetto to Inter since Christmas, mostly due the awful away record that has seen them fall 11 points behind the leaders. They have picked up just one win in their last five games on their travels, hardly the form of potential champions.

However, at the Stadio Olimpico they have kept the hope alive by winning every match except one, the 4-4 draw with Napoli four months ago, since losing to Inter way back in September. In fact, they haven’t even conceded a League goal in the capital since the first game of December. With the added confidence boost from their Champions League win over Real Madrid in midweek, the fans will be hoping they can maintain that great home record.

Brazilian defender Juan returns to the starting line-up after his injury with Matteo Ferrari expected to be the man to make way, while Daniele De Rossi should also play after shaking off his illness to feature against Real on Tuesday. That means second-choice goalkeeper Gianluca Curci is the only player on Coach Luciano Spalletti’s injury list, although they will be without the suspended Amantino Mancini. Ludovic Giuly should take his place after being handed a starting place in midweek.

Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli will be without Alessandro Potenza, Massimo Gobbi and Christian Vieri for this crucial encounter. Tomas Ujfalusi should come back into the team at right-back to replace Potenza. The core of the side is available, but there is still one further change expected by the Viola. Surprisingly young Serbian midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic, scorer of their first in last week’s win over Catania, could be replaced by Fabio Liverani, who returns from injury.

After four consecutive wins, including their fantastic 5-1 demolition of Cagliari, the Gigliati’s defeat to Milan and 2-2 draw at Atalanta saw them risk losing their place in the top four. However, things look like they could be back on track after their win over Catania, but they will need to take that form on their travels with them. They have managed to hold off the threat of the Rossoneri so far and will be desperate to maintain their three-point advantage in the race for Champions League qualification.

Keep an eye on: Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina) – The Romanian forward has been in sensational form recently and it will be interesting to see how he plays after the criticism he received for his showboating against Catania.

Last season: Roma 3-1 Fiorentina

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


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Roma (probable): Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro; Giuly, Perrotta, Taddei; Totti

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

Ref: To follow...

another tough game, at least we are at home.but that will mean nothing if cant win it .juve are breathing down our necks so this match is a huge one for us to secure our 2nd spot.fresh off from a disappointing game wch we have only ourselves to blame and a good win in the cl.

hope the wining momentum created from mid-week is carried on this game.