Italian Serie A
2008-04-19 - Fiorentina vs Palermo
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Fiorentina welcome the visit of an inform Palermo side to the Stadio Artemio Franchi knowing that this is a must win game if they are to play Champions League football next season. The visitors will have other ideas as they have won their last two matches and would want to ensure that they continue to climb up the standings.
The home side are currently in fourth spot and holds a four point advantage over nearest challengers A.C Milan. Even though they were beaten by leaders 2-0 last weekend, but their position was not affected as A.C Milan were beaten by third place Juventus so the standings were not much affected.
But Fiorentina knows that with A.C Milan due to play against Reggina and will very much win that match, they cannot afford to drop points especially at a crucial stage against a tough opponent like Palermo. Coach Cesare Prandelli was in full praise of his players knowing that it was not an easy task to come up against leaders Inter Milan after playing in the UEFA Cup against PSV Eindhoven prior to that in midweek.
The visitors have won back to back matches since the appointment of Stefano Colantuono. Their win against Juventus the week before was not a fluke as they followed it up by beating Catania last weekend. Their target will be to finish in the top six even though they are currently ranked tenth at the moment.
Last season when they met Palermo came out on top when a certain Brazilian – Amauri scored two goals for the visitors as they won that match 2-3. Fiorentina will be eager to win this time around to avenge that defeat that is for sure.
The home side will apart from Franco Semioli who is out injured have a full squad at their disposal. Sebastien Frey will start in goal despite not being fully fit. Per Kroldrup will come into defence to replace Dario Dainelli while Fabio Liverani will be replaced by Marco Donadel in midfield. Their attack will comprise the likes of Adrian Mutu, Giampaolo Pazzini and Mario Santana. The Argentine Santana for one will be eager to face his former club after having his first Serie A experience with the club and knows that a top four finish will be vital for the club.
Palermo’s Coach Colantuono will be missing several players for this match. The likes of Andrea Barzagli who could be joining Fiorentina come end of the season is suspended for this tie while Alberto Fontana and Fabio Simplicio are nursing injuries. Federico Agliardi will start in goal while Cristian Zaccardo will replace Barzagli in defence. Brazilian Amauri will start upfront alone and he will be supported by Bosko Jankovic, Fabio Caserta and Fabrizio Miccoli. Mark Bresciano will be on the bench and not be given a starting eleven place here.
Do keep a watchful eye on Giampaolo Pazzini as the former Atalanta player will be keen to put his name on the scoring sheet here and prove he deserves to be in the starting eleven.
Take Fiorentina and give the 3/4 ball away here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Pick :
Fiorentina to win 2-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Fiorentina to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Fiorentina and give the 3/4 ball away here.
