What: Italian Serie A
Who: Fiorentina vs Juventus
When: Tuesday 25th September, 2012, at 19:45 UK time
Where: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy
Hoping For A Derby Upset
As the new Italian league season really starts to get into full swing, Fiorentina prepare to welcome Serie A champions Juventus to Tuscany. Taking into account the fiery relationship between the two sides, a win over the Bianconeri would secure a massive boost for La Viola, especially since the visitors are still on their unbeaten league streak that dates back from last season.
In games like these, Fiorentina will rely on the pressure that the fans in the Artemio Franchi can apply on the visiting side. The 1957 European Cup runners-up have been successful at home so far, winning both of their Serie A games against Udinese and Catania, but there is no doubt that the team from Turin will offer them a different challenge.
And former Roma striker and current Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Montella knows what to expect from this sort of match, stressing his team must be focused after the recent draw against Parma, given the magnitude of this occasion.
“The expectation is high, the difference with the Rome derby is that opposing fans are not in the same city", explained Montella.
Staying On Top
No team in Italy are enjoying better luck than Juventus at the moment: The Bianconeri are still unbeaten domestically – a run that carries on from last season – and started their Champions League campaign with a good draw against current champions Chelsea. Facing one of their many rivals in a game that usually is far from calm, Juventus will go for the win as they attempt to consolidate their grasp on top position in Serie A.
Against Fiorentina, the Old Lady will fancy their chances of upsetting the hosts. Despite having a championship-winning squad, Juventus fortified it over the summer with quality signings, bringing in veteran defender Lucio and former club wonder Sebastian Giovinco, after the latter enjoyed a fine season with Parma.
One player who has been very impressive for Juventus is Fabio Quagliarella, who earned his side the draw versus Chelsea and scored the two goals against Chievo at the weekend, earning his manager’s praise.
“He’s in superb form at the moment as he proved tonight”, declared Massimo Carrera.
Recent form
Fiorentina:
Napoli 2-1 Fiorentina (02/09; Serie A)
Fiorentina 2-0 Catania (16/09; Serie A)
Parma 1-1 Fiorentina (22/09; Serie A)
Juventus:
Genoa 1-3 Juventus (16/09; Serie A)
Chelsea 2-2 Juventus (19/09; Champions League)
Juventus 2-0 Chievo (22/09; Serie A)
Key absences
Fiorentina: Mounir El Hamdaoui; Alberto Aquilani; Francesco Della Rocca
Juventus: Simone Pepe; Simone Padoin
Players to watch
Fiorentina – Borja Valero: The playmaker jumped ship last summer as his old club Villarreal sunk to the second division of Spanish football. Having played in all of Fiorentina’s games so far this season, Valero is very well valued by Montella.
Juventus – Arturo Vidal: The Chilean was a substitute against Chievo as he was coming back from injury. However, in a game of this magnitude, it is certain that Carrera will opt to deploy him from the start to help Andrea Pirlo in the engine room.
Match Prediction
Fiorentina are always well motivated when they welcome Juventus, but the 2003 Champions League finalists remain better than the rest of Serie A. The Bianconeri will look for the win in Florence and are expected to get it with a 2-1 final score.
Read betting previews and tips at Inside Bet
