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Serie A Week 38 - 18/5/08 (14.00 UK)

Torino - Fiorentina
Stadio Olimpico

Torino have now secured their place in Serie A for next season, but have vowed to do their fans proud when they host Fiorentina in a crucial game for the Champions League chase.

While Toro may not have anything left to play for, it is still very much game on for the Viola. After the wheels seemed to have fallen off on the final bend when they followed up their UEFA Cup semi-final exit with defeat to Cagliari, they were handed a lifeline by Milan’s slip at Napoli last week. That means the Gigliati are back in the driving seat in the race for Champions League qualification, knowing that their fate is in their own hands and a win in this match would guarantee them a place in Europe’s premiere club competition next term.

Coach Cesare Prandelli’s options are again slightly limited with Adrian Mutu and Marco Donadel both suspended, while injuries saw Christian Vieri, Daniele Cacia and Dario Dainelli’s seasons finish early. As a result Fiorentina should line-up with the same 11 players that beat Parma 3-1 last Sunday. That means midfielders Massimo Gobbi and Martin Jorgensen will continue as makeshift full-backs as Pablo Osvaldo and Mario Santana will take up the wide forward roles, playing off striker Giampaolo Pazzini.

Granata boss Gianni De Biasi also looks set to make as few changes as possible, rewarding the players who secured their survival last week with a swansong in front of the Stadio Olimpico crowd. The only likely change would be the absence of the suspended Marco Motta, who should be replaced by Paolo Dellafiore who came on as a substitute last week. It could be emotional game for Alessandro Rosina, who is rumoured to be on his way this summer after building his reputation with three years in Turin.

There will certainly be scenes of celebration at the Olimpico on Sunday, although bearing in mind the fans’ ambition they may be more muted than elsewhere amongst the sides to escape the relegation whirlpool. After winning their place in Serie A on the road in Livorno last week, there should be a sense of relief amongst the Toro side. However, De Biasi has insisted that his team won’t go easy on Fiorentina out of respect for Milan and the League, but he could find it hard to get the adrenaline pumping in the same way as their decisive wins over Napoli and Livorno. That lack of pressure could work as a plus point though if their opponents start to succumb to the nerves of such an important game.

Keep an eye on: Alessandro Rosina (Torino) – The attacking midfielder has been decisive for Toro with goals against Napoli and Livorno, and Rosina will be keen to give the fans something to remember as a summer move looks increasingly likely.

Last season: Torino 0-1 Fiorentina

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

Torino (probable): Sereni; Dellafiore, Di Loreto, Lanna, Pisano; Diana, Corini, Zanetti; Rosina, Di Michele; Stellone

Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Jorgensen, Ujfalusi, Gamberini, Gobbi; Kuzmanovic, Liverani, Montolivo; Santana, Pazzini, Osvaldo

Ref: To follow...

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