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Serie A Week 32 - 6/4/08 (14.00 UK)
Fiorentina - Reggina

Stadio Franchi

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The pressure is growing on both teams, as Fiorentina cannot afford another slip-up and neither can Reggina.

The Viola can be thankful that Milan continue to stumble, as their own disappointing results have not lost them that fourth Champions League spot so far. Udinese and Sampdoria are in the race now too, so they must make the most of home advantage against one of the relegation strugglers. The Stadio Artemio Franchi ties become particularly crucial considering Fiorentina have lost three away games on the bounce.

The 3-1 defeat at Udinese last Sunday was a worrying one, as it allowed the Friulani to climb into fifth place just three points adrift of Cesare Prandelli's squad. Admittedly, that result did come without the suspended Adrian Mutu and Fabio Liverani, but the Coach still said he was disappointed with the “lack of character.” Those two stars are back and the only injury concern is Franco Semioli, while Alessandro Gamberini should make his comeback in the UEFA Cup clash with PSV Eindhoven on Thursday after a fortnight out.

Reggina's performances have certainly improved since Nevio Orlandi took over from Renzo Ulivieri and, to a degree, so have the results. A 4-0 demolition job on Siena was followed by positive draws with Livorno and Napoli, but their poor away record cost them in Sunday's 2-0 loss at Genoa. Cagliari's sudden resurgence has left them in penultimate place, but still well in the relegation battle, as there are currently four teams just two points away.

The history books don't bode well for the Calabrians, who have not managed a single away victory all season and have lost all five of their Serie A visits to Florence. During that time they scored four goals and conceded 13. At least Orlandi doesn't have too many injury headaches, as Emil Hallfredsson is back to full fitness and the only absentees are Montiel and Modesto. Franco Brienza continues to be the forward they had been looking for and could be partnered by Francesco Cozza in support of Nicola Amoruso, leaving Stephen Makinwa on the bench. It would be Cozza's first start since the Livorno game on March 19.

Keep an eye on: Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina) - His absence was sorely felt at the Stadio Friuli and Fiorentina will be glad to have the Romanian back on board with his goals and assists.

Last season: Fiorentina 3-0 Reggina

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


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

Reggina (probable): Campagnolo; Lanzaro, Cirillo, Valdez, Aronica; Barreto, Cascione, Hallfredsson; Brienza, Cozza; Amoruso

Ref: To follow...

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