Paolo Bruno
Fiorentina have hit a purple patch at just the right time, as they travel to face Bologna in a game rescheduled because of heavy snowfall.
Both teams have had two days extra preparation after the pitch at the Dall'Ara was hit by the cold snap and deemed unplayable on Sunday afternoon.
The Viola come into the game with their tails up after a convincing 4-1 victory over Inter Milan last weekend. Adem Ljajic and Stevan Jovetic both bagged a brace to re-insert Fiorentina into the chase for a European place. With their home form sorted, Vincenzo Montella now has to address a run of three straight defeats on the road. A win will put Fiorentina within two points of the Champions League places, but they haven't won on this ground for four years and Montella remains cautious.
He said: "We are facing a side that does not deserve to be in the relegation battle and cannot be caught unprepared. I can't understand why Bologna are so far down the standings, as they have an experienced Coach and strikers of real quality. It's going to be a dangerous game for us."
Bologna currently languish in 16th position, but are five points clear from the relegation zone. The Rossoblu have proved hard to beat at home, with only three of their 13 losses coming at the Dall'Ara. They are yet to lose in front of their own fans since the turn of the New Year.
Ex-Fiorentina frontman Alberto Gilardino is leading the Bologna charge with ten goals so far this season. Strike partner Alessandro Diamanti has six strikes and remains a threat from set pieces. Stefano Pioli is known to alternate between a three and four man defence depending on the opponents. He is without injured defensive duo Cesare Natali and Mikael Antonsson. However, attacking pair Cristian Pasquato and Manolo Gabbiadini, along with midfielder Saphir Taider are expected to shake off knocks in time to be considered.
Momo Sissoko is in line for a first Fiorentina start, deputising for the suspended David Pizarro.
Bologna injuries and suspensions
Out: Cesare Natali, Mikael Antonsson (injured)
Fiorentina injuries and suspensions
Out: Ahmed Hegazy, Facundo Roncaglia, Michele Camporese, Matias Fernandez, Giuseppe Rossi (injured) David Pizarro (suspended)
Match Date/Time: Tuesday 26th February 2013 8:00 p.m. local, 2:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, Bologna, Italy
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