Serie A' MD28: Fiorentina - Genoa [16-03-08]

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Serie A Week 28 - 16/3/08 (14.00 UK)
Fiorentina - Genoa

Stadio Franchi

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Both these teams have been revelations this season, but have to get back on track after defeats last weekend.

Fiorentina had been on Cloud Nine following victories over Juventus and Everton, but were made to pay for poor finishing in a 1-0 reverse to Siena. That was the first Tuscan derby they had lost this season and left them just one point clear of Milan in the race for fourth spot.

The absence of the injured Adrian Mutu started to make itself felt in that match, as Giampaolo Pazzini in particular wasted several clear-cut opportunities, including a blast wide from six yards. If Christian Vieri gets his fitness levels back and as Daniel Pablo Osvaldo returns from a ban, it looks likely Pazzini will be relegated to the bench. Ndyaie Papa Waigo is sidelined for a week, joining Franco Semioli on the treatment table, though Fabio Liverani should be able to recover.

Genoa are challenging for a UEFA Cup place straight after promotion from Serie B and much of the credit goes to Capocannoniere Marco Borriello. His 16 goals have put him top of the scorers’ charts, although he was caught by David Trezeguet during last Sunday evening’s 2-0 home defeat to Juventus. He’ll be eager to revive his scoring rate with support from Giuseppe Sculli and Julio Cesar Leon.

The Rossoblu are without Matteo Paro for the rest of the campaign after surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Cesare Bovo, Santos and goalkeeper Rubinho are struggling with fitness worries, so Alessio Scarpi should again take the gloves.

That 2-0 loss was their second on the trot after a shock 2-1 defeat at bottom of the table Cagliari. Both these sides are all or nothing, so a draw is the last result to be predicted at the Stadio Franchi. Genoa haven’t shared the spoils since a 1-1 at Livorno on February 10 and Fiorentina last drew that same weekend, 2-2 away to Atalanta. This tie hasn’t featured in Serie A since February 12, 1995, a 3-1 home victory.

Keep an eye on: Marco Borriello (Genoa) – If the Grifone are to cause an upset, then Borriello is the man to do it, having scored over half of the team’s total 31 goals.

Last season: Not played

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


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Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Ujfalusi, Dainelli, Kroldrup, Pasqual; Montolivo, Donadel, Gobbi; Santana, Vieri, Jorgensen

Genoa (probable): Scarpi; Konko, De Rosa, Criscito; Rossi, Milanetto, Juric, Fabiano; Sculli, Borriello, Leon

Ref: To follow...

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Serie A Week 28 - 16/3/08 (14.00 UK)
Fiorentina 3 - 1 Genoa
Santana 19 (F), Mutu 30 (F), Pazzini 56 (F), Masiero 82 (G)
Stadio Franchi

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Fiorentina have put themselves in a commanding position for a Champions League spot with this comfortable victory that celebrated the return of Adrian Mutu.

The Viola knew a victory would put them four points clear of Milan in the race for a Champions League spot, but were tired from their midweek penalty shoot-out win over Everton. The big boost was the return of Mutu three weeks after a knee injury. Genoa had UEFA Cup ambitions despite two defeats on the trot.

Both sides were without a single Serie A draw since the weekend of February 10. There were two early crucial saves on Marco Borriello from distance and a close-range effort, then at the other end Alessio Scarpi was equally impressive to deny a spectacular Mutu overhead kick.

It was Fiorentina who broke the deadlock with a wonderful team move. Mutu exchanged passes with Mario Alberto Santana and chipped the final assist over the defence for Santana to spring the offside trap in a very tight decision and strike low past Scarpi.

Alessandro Gamberini went off injured and Sebastien Frey had his palms stung by Giuseppe Sculli.

The Viola doubled their advantage with the returning Mutu. Giampaolo Pazzini held up Riccardo Montolivo's pass for a right-foot rocket from the Romanian.

Fiorentina suffered yet another injury with Santana making way for Ndiaye Papa Waigo, who moved from Genoa in January. Frey was at full stretch to beat away a Julio Cesar Leon volley from eight yards, but after the restart Mutu sparked a counter that Giampaolo Pazzini fired straight at Abdoullay Konko.

Mutu turned Papa Waigo's cross over, then Pazzini wasted another chance by hitting it straight at Scarpi. However, the move continued and this time Pazzini sprung the offside trap, prodding the ball past the 'keeper for a cool finish. It was a psychologically important goal for the Under-21 international, who has been missing some howlers of late.

Genoa got a consolation with Nicolas Masiero's first Serie A goal. The 20-year-old got to the rebound after Frey had parried a Borriello close-range attempt.

Moments later Borriello was booked for simulation, a very harsh decision as Marco Donadel made evident contact with his ankle in the D.

Fiorentina's injury situation deteriorated further late on, as Jorgensen appeared to suffer a thigh strain, so they had to play the final five minutes with 10 men.


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Fiorentina: Frey; Ujfalusi, Kroldrup, Gamberini (Jorgensen 24), Gobbi; Kuzmanovic, Liverani, Montolivo; Santana (Papa Waigo 32), Pazzini, Mutu (Donadel 72)

Genoa: Scarpi; Konko, Lucarelli, Criscito; Rossi, Danilo, Juric (Santos 73), Fabiano (Vanden Borre 55); Sculli (Masiero 55), Borriello, Leon

Ref: Ayroldi

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Prandelli hails Viola spirit Sunday 16 March, 2008

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Cesare Prandelli has praised Fiorentina’s generosity of spirit after their 3-1 victory over Genoa.

There were fears the team would be tired after a midweek penalty shoot-out with Everton, but they stepped up to the task.

“Genoa were vivacious and dangerous throughout, so we only emerged with this win by playing very good football. We struggled at the end, but we were tired. I have to say my team is always very generous.

“I liked the fact we never stopped attacking even after taking a strong lead.”

Giampaolo Pazzini finally broke his goal drought after missing some spectacular sitters of late.

“I consider him to be a centre-forward. Now he is working hard in the penalty area and is slowly finding the cool head needed to turn all that effort into goals.”

Fiorentina are now four points clear of Milan in fourth place, but Prandelli isn’t celebrating a Champions League spot yet.

“The fight for fourth will be very tough. I saw Milan play last night and they are right back on form, so they could definitely win every remaining game.”

Genoa Coach Gian Piero Gasperini had no complaints about the 3-1 defeat in Florence, although he did note an unfortunate trend.

“When facing the big clubs we are always lacking something to cause an upset. We put in good performances, but just can’t seem to get the results.

“We certainly have some limitations in that respect and have to focus on achieving safety as soon as possible.”

Gasperini was unhappy with a booking for Marco Borriello’s simulation outside the box, as there appeared to be contact with Marco Donadel.

“There were a few too many yellow cards. Referees should realise that sometimes it’s not a foul and it’s not simulation, because the cards add up and start to make a difference at this stage.”

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