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Serie A Week 34 - 19/4/08 (19.30 UK)

Fiorentina - Palermo
Stadio Franchi

Fiorentina welcome a re-born Palermo to the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Week 34 knowing that they cannot fail to win if they are to qualify for Europe. But the Rosanero will be hoping to consolidate their positive run.

The Viola lie fourth in the table with a four-point advantage over Milan, which means they could be playing Champions League football next season. In last week’s round the Tuscans suffered a 2-0 defeat against Inter, but the Rossoneri weren’t able to reduce the gap after being defeated by Juventus.

However, it could be a different story this time around since the Milanesi should bag a comfortable home win against Reggina, leaving Fiorentina with no option but to win. Coach Cesare Prandelli feels his men have given their best in recent weeks. “I have to thank them for all their efforts,” he said. “It was hard to play against Inter after our midweek European clash versus PSV.”

Meanwhile, Palermo have been impressive recently and the re-appointment of Stefano Colantuono has boosted their morale. The Rosanero were successful against Juventus two weeks ago and also beat Catania last weekend. They are currently in 10th place but will be looking to end this season just behind the top six. Last year’s encounter between the two ended 3-2 in favour of the visitors in a game masterminded by Amauri, who netted a brace.

Prandelli should be able to count on his full squad for this tie apart from Franco Semioli, who is injured. Sebastien Frey will take the gloves despite not being 100 per cent fit. In defence Dario Dainelli will be replaced by Per Kroldrup while Marco Donadel should be preferred to Fabio Liverani in midfield.

The locals’ trident will be formed by Adrian Mutu, Giampaolo Pazzini and Mario Santana. The flamboyant Argentine winger has a Rosanero past and is eager to face his former club. “I had my first Serie A experience with Palermo and they had faith in me. I know that for them this will be like a derby, but we want a top-four finish.”

Rosanero Coach Colantuono will be missing several regulars for this clash. Andrea Barzagli, who could be joining La Viola at the end of this season, is suspended while Alberto Fontana and Fabio Simplicio are injured. Federico Agliardi will be confirmed between the posts while Cristian Zaccardo will replace Barzagli. Amauri will be the lone striker and the trident behind him will be formed by Bosko Jankovic, Fabio Caserta and Fabrizio Miccoli with Mark Bresciano, once again, left out.

Keep an eye on: Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina) – The former Atalanta ace will have to prove he deserves a starting shirt so he has no option but to score on Saturday afternoon.

Last season: Fiorentina 2-3 Palermo

Form guide: Fiorentina (L W L W L) Palermo (L L L W W)

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

Palermo (probable): Agliardi; Cassani, Zaccardo, Rinaudo, Balzaretti; Guana, Migliaccio; Jankovic, Miccoli, Caserta; Amauri

Ref: To follow.

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