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Serie A Week 35 - 27/4/08 (14.00 UK)

Fiorentina - Sampdoria
Stadio Franchi

Fiorentina can consolidate their qualification for next season’s Champions League with a win against Samp but the Blucerchiati, who are only four points behind the Viola, have their own European ambitions.

Cesare Prandelli’s side have won their last six at home and are unbeaten at the Artemio Franchi since February. Sebastien Frey hasn’t conceded in 270 minutes in front of the Curva Fiesole giving the Viola real confidence to go on and play their football.

But that may be about to change. With the season almost over Fiorentina’s transfer marketeers have been looking to reinforce the back five. Goalkeepers Marco Amelia and Diego Cavalieri have been mentioned, unsettling the invincible Frey. Tomas Ujfalusi is leaving on a Bosman and Manuel Pasqual’s first team position has a question mark over it, that question mark being Palermo’s Andrea Barzagli. How will Fiorentina’s defenders react knowing their place in the side is no longer guaranteed?

What’s more, the Gigliati have the small matter of a UEFA Cup semi-final away to Rangers three days before Samp’s arrival in Florence. But it’s not all bad. In the same fixture last season Fiorentina beat Doria 5-1, thanks to Reginaldo’s brace – who’s now at Parma – Santana’s Latin American lick and a pair from the partnership of Pazzini and Mutu.

Unfortunately for Prandelli, Pazzini is suspended after picking up a booking in the Viola’s 1-0 success against Palermo. Luckily for Prandelli, Mutu will be in town hopefully to continue his impressive scoring record against the Ligurians. The Romanian has hit the net in each of the last three meetings between the two sides.

Sampdoria journey to Tuscany more than aware that their recent accomplishments have been the fruit of impressive home and not away form – only Catania, Cagliari and Reggina have lost on more occasions on their travels. Walter Mazzarri’s team will, however, take heart from their performance against the Gigliati in December which ended 2-2. Many regard that game to be the turning point in their season when, after a five minute crying fit, Antonio Cassano grew up and inspired his side, scoring the equaliser.

The Blucerchiati are practically at full strength, allowing Mazzarri to play his favourite 3-5-2 formation. Christian Maggio, one of this season’s revelations, will look to add width and supply both Cassano and Claudio Bellucci, the re-born 32-year-old striker who has scored 12 goals in 2007-08.

In many ways Fiorentina versus Sampdoria will be a personal duel between two of Serie A’s most exciting coaching talents.

Keep an eye on: Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina) – Scouted and brought to Italy by Inter, only to be sold by the Nerazzurri back in 2000 when they were in the habit of letting über-talented players go, Mutu has been in outstanding form this term. While many backed Giampaolo Pazzini to step into Luca Toni’s rather roomy boots after Tonigol’s departure in the summer, it has been Mutu who has grasped the mantle, netting 16 times in 26 starts.

Last season: Fiorentina 5-1 Sampdoria

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

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

Sampdoria (probable): Mirante; Campagnaro, Lucchini, Accardi; Maggio, Delvecchio, Palombo, D. Francheschini, Pieri; Bellucci, Cassano

Ref: To follow...

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