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Fiorentina and Roma will both be delighted by the season so far, but know that this Stadio Artemio Franchi showdown may prove the difference between Champions League and UEFA Cup football.
Despite a magnificent start to the campaign, Cesare Prandelli's Viola lead Roma by a solitary point after last weekend's 3-1 defeat against Milan. Prandelli's side no longer have the momentum that they once enjoyed but they do still have Serie A's Capocannoniere 25-goal Luca Toni who bounced back from missing a penalty against Cagliari in mid-week to slot home at the San Siro. The Gigliati are also ferocious opponents in Florence with 14 wins from 16 on home turf.
Luciano Spalletti has won many plaudits this term. After a shaky start, a record-breaking run of 11 consecutive victories has left the Giallorossi on the cusp of an unlikely Champions League berth. A 1-1 draw with Juventus last weekend showed great resolve and gives the capital side an advantage over their opponents who must still face the leaders. Spalletti's men certainly don't suffer from home sickness - they have secured 29 points - of their 59 - away from the Stadio Olimpico and only conceded 11 goals on their travels.
Prandelli - who had to give up the Roma job last year due to his wife's illness - welcomes back Giampaolo Pazzini from injury. Long-term absentees Guilherme Do Prado, Michele Pazienza and Sebastian Frey remain sidelined.
The Roma injury list is still a long one. Francesco Totti, Vincenzo Montella, Cristian Chivu, Daniele De Rossi and Shabani Nonda are all missing and Honduran Edgar Alvarez is also out of action for two weeks. Youngster Aleandro Rosi looks likely to be handed a start due to the shortage of midfielders.
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Possibly the biggest game of the season so far in terms of Champions League places. Whatever the outcome I hope for a lot of spirit from Roma. If we drew with Juve why not beat Fiorentina?
MD 32: Fiorentina- Roma
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