Serie A' MD6: Fiorentina - Chievo [05-10-08]

[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 6 - 5/10/08 (14.00 UK)
Chievo - Fiorentina
Stadio Bentegodi

Fiorentina are stumbling along thanks to their home form and that of Alberto Gilardino, but they’ll need to pick up points away to the likes of Chievo to have any ambition this season.

The Viola went through a crisis period and, although their 1-0 win over Genoa stemmed the tide somewhat, they still look to be lacking confidence and sharpness. It is possible Gila will be rested for this tie, as Cesare Prandelli warned he cannot keep playing every game in Serie A and the Champions League.

It would make sense to leave him to one side for this match, as so far all of his domestic goals have been scored at the Stadio Franchi. Giampaolo Pazzini is ready to step in with Stevan Jovetic and Franco Semioli – who was dropped from the European squad list and therefore rested against Steaua Bucharest – bringing fresh legs to the attack.

Semioli has everything to prove at the Bentegodi, as this was his home for four years and launched him on the main football stage. It is also a form of local derby, as Gilardino, Adrian Mutu and Coach Cesare Prandelli all represented Chievo’s rivals Hellas Verona. As if that weren’t enough, this is a family affair, though Sebastien Frey’s younger brother Nicholas is unlikely to get off the Chievo bench.

If Fiorentina aren’t in the best shape, then the Flying Donkeys are thoroughly grounded. Last week’s 1-0 defeat at Catania meant they have only one win all season, a barely deserved 2-1 result over Reggina in the opening weekend. Goals are a real problem with just two in the last four games. Sergio Pellissier was banging them in on the way to promotion in Serie B, but seems isolated and closed down too easily in the top flight. More danger comes from distance, where midfielders Vincenzo Italiano and Michele Marcolini can hit screamers to shake the team out of its funk.

With Mauro Esposito, Simone Bentivoglio, Kerlon and Andrea Mantovani injured, plus Davide Mandelli suspended, Beppe Iachini is forced to make a few changes. Luciano and Antonio Langella flank Pellissier, while Cesar steps into central defence.

Keep an eye on: Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina) – If Gilardino is finally rested, then it’s up to Pazzini to make the most of this rare opportunity to shine.

Last season: Not played

Form guide: Chievo (W L D D L) Fiorentina (D L W L W)
Chievo (probable): Sorrentino; Malagò, Yepes, Cesar, Scardina; Pinzi, Italiano, Marcolini; Luciano, Pellissier, Langella

Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Jorgensen, Kroldrup, Gamberini, Gobbi; Donadel, Felipe, Montolivo; Santana, Gilardino, Mutu

Ref: To follow…

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[dukeofdavinci]

Montolivo sees improving Viola
Friday 3 October, 2008
Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo expects Chievo to provide a stern test, but he believes the Viola can overpower them in Verona.

Cesare Prandelli's side haven't had an ideal start to the season with just seven points in Serie A and two Champions League draws to their name.

So the pressure is on for the Tuscans as they travel to the Stadio Bentegodi to take on newly promoted minnows Chievo.

“Chievo are a very organised side with experienced players who know Serie A,” Montolivo said.

“They are doing well and they will be looking to beat us, but we want the points and will need to show our winning mentality.

“Lots of things have changed over the summer and we also had a poor start two years ago for that reason.

“It's never easy but I'm sure we will play more like a team soon and I will try and help more.

“I want to score more goals than last season and we are working hard so that the midfield help the strikers.”

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[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 6 - 5/10/08 (14.00 UK)
Chievo 0 - 2 Fiorentina
Kuzmanovic 31 (F), Gilardino 74 (F)
Stadio Bentegodi

Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Alberto Gilardino took advantage of poor defending to defeat 10-man Chievo.

The Viola paid a visit to the Flying Donkeys days after their disappointing 0-0 Champions League stalemate with Steaua Bucharest. Adrian Mutu missed out as his elbow injury sustained over a month ago flared up again, while Martin Jorgensen was also sidelined. Chievo missed Simone Bentivoglio, Antimo Iunco, Mauro Esposito and the suspended Davide Mandelli.

Chievo had never won this fixture with a draw in 2000-01 and three defeats. It was a family affair, as Sebastien Frey's little brother Nicolas started for the Gialloblu.

Stevan Jovetico sent ex-Chievo star Franco Semioli clear twice in the first three minutes and then Alberto Gilardino exchanged passes with Riccardo Montolivo to fire inches over the bar.

The home side also threatened with Sergio Pellissier bursting into the box down the left flank and an effort charged down.

Jovetic wasted a golden opportunity on the counter, as he tried to dribble past the only two remaining defenders and the hesitation was decisive. Gilardino had another great chance, his marvellous heel flick to leave the defender for dead, but the finish was on the side-netting.

Fiorentina took the lead in curious circumstances. Gilardino earned a free kick and Montolivo took it quickly, rolling through for Zdravko Kuzmanovic's angled drive while the Chievo defence stood around arguing with the referee.

The tension was high and Scardina was shown a straight red card for his dreadful tackle on Semioli.

Stefano Sorrentino smothered a Juan Manuel Vargas piledriver and then performed a splendid save to flap away Gilardino's header from a corner.

Fiorentina were unlucky not to make it 2-0 on the hour mark, as Kuzmanovic's glancing header from a Vargas cross thumped the upright with Sorrentino beaten.

10-man Chievo also had a chance, Pellissier holding off Alessandro Gamberini to cut back for Luciano's shot over.

Fiorentina were in charge, though, and wasted another excellent opportunity. Montolivo exchanged passes with Gilardino only to smash against the underside of the bar from close range.

The result was put beyond doubt by Gilardino's towering free header on a Vargas cross, but the Chievo defence left him relatively undisturbed.

Frey still had work to do on Pellissier's angled drive, but the Viola dominated this match.


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Chievo: Sorrentino; N Frey, Cesar, Yepes, Scardina; Pinzi (Mantovani 55), Italiano, Marcolini; Luciano (Rigoni 85), Pellissier, Langella (Bogdani 70)

Fiorentina: S Frey; Comotto, Gamberini, Dainelli, Vargas; Kuzmanovic (Gobbi 87), Melo, Montolivo; Semioli, Gilardino (Pazzini 76), Jovetic (Santana 69)

Ref: Banti
Sent off: Scardina 37 (C)

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