Claudio Villa - Getty Images
While both sides set to meet in Florence on Sunday have had an inconsistent start to the Serie A season, Fiorentina have at least managed to look threatening in every match. But will last week's goal-fest carry over for Bologna?
The season has certainly gotten off to a brighter start for Fiorentina, who finished last season down in 15th, a rough tumble for a side that was in the Champions League just five years ago. But under Vincenzo Montella, the Viola are rejuvenated, if not, one might say, consistent (in other words, a typical Montella side). After stopping Juventus's perfect streak with a draw two rounds ago, Fiorentina went to the San Siro only to lose 2-1. But even positives remain from that defeat: the Viola looked set to come back, halving their deficit before pressing for more, but were rendered near-harmless after Gonzalo Rodríguez picked up a second yellow, leaving them down to ten for the last thirty minutes.
Bologna, on the other hand, come to Florence on the back of a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Catania. Alberto Gilardino bagged a brace, taking him up to five goals on the season and making him one Fiorentina must stop. But the rossoblu have had even more ups and downs to the season than the home side, starting off by giving Chievo Verona their only win on the season, continuing on with that amazing comeback win against AS Roma, and then faltering against Siena. When Bologna click, they've the ability to dismantle a team -- trouble is, that "click" happens less often than not. And the defence isn't anything that Stevan Jovetić and his partner up top -- whether that be Adem Ljajić or the expected Mounir El Hamdaoui -- won't be able to carve open.
Fiorentina injuries and suspensions
Alberto Aquilani, Michele Camporese and Francesco Della Rocca (injured), Gonzalo Rodríguez (suspended)
With Rodríguez out, Stefan Savić, who came over from Manchester City to replace Matija Nastasić, will likely get the nod in defence. And, as a consequence, Fiorentina will likely regret giving up Nastasić.
Bologna injuries and suspensions
Gianluca Curci, Mikael Antonsson and Diego Perez (injured)
The only blight on last week's match was Curci's exit with a thigh strain. But Federico Agliardi performed adequately in goal and is certain to be there again in Florence.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, October 7, at 3 p.m. local / 9 a.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence
TV: Sky Calcio 3 (Italy), Arena Sport 4 Serbia (Balkans, thanks to a plethora of possible Balkan starters for the Viola)
There are 2 Comments. Load Now.
Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.
C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read
R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next
Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read
Comment Settings
Live comment alert: Hide it!
Comments for this post are closed.