Parma haven't won away against Fiorentina since November 2009, and only three of the players in the crociati's starting 11 for their last viola victory are still playing their trade at the Ennio Tardini today. However, Roberto Donadoni's team may well fancy their chances of upsetting the form guide this weekend, having had their confidence boosted by their first Serie A win of the season in their last match.
Fiorentina vs. Parma, preview: Unpredictable Parma could pose problems
It took five attempts before Parma won their first league match, though Roberto Donadoni’s team could still pose Fiorentina some problems at the Artemio Franchi on Monday.
More from our team blogs: Fiorentina blog Viola Nation
That victory was an exciting 4-3 against Atalanta, as -- in a reversal of their usual fortunes -- Parma managed to score with just about every audacious attempt they tried, instead having difficulty keeping the ball out of their own net. Nevertheless, even after striker Amauri was sent off the crociati held onto their lead, and picked up a vital three points to kick-start their centenary season.
Boosting the gialloblu's confidence yet further ahead of this Tuscan trip is that opponents Fiorentina were rather less successful in the last round, throwing away a lead away at Inter Milan to lose 2-1. It was a classic smash-and-grab counter-attacking performance from the nerazzurri, leaving Vincenzo Montella's men shellshocked after dominating much of the game.
However, the viola saw their rejuvenated striker Giuseppe Rossi get himself on the scoresheet once again, as his impressive return from a serious knee injury continues. He'll spearhead his team's attack at the Artemio Franchi this weekend, and should be one of the game's key protagonists.
There’s no doubt that Fiorentina head in as favourites, though with Parma having gelled so well going forward for the game against Atalanta, this should be an interesting match. Both sides love playing with the ball at their feet, and goals should be expected (probably just jinxed it - sorry).
Fiorentina injuries and suspensions
Out: Mario Gómez, Manuel Pasqual, Ahmed Hegazy (injured). In doubt: Juan Cuadrado, Alberto Aquilani.
While Mario Gómez was Fiorentina's big marquee signing of the summer, so soon after his arrival did he get injured that he can hardly be described as a big miss. He's sidelined alongside Pasqual and Hegazy. Montella will be hoping to have both Cuadrado and Aquilani back, but especially the former -- he was the viola's star performer last season, and without him they play with less width and are arguably more predictable. He'll face a fitness test on a shoulder injury.
Parma injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniele Galloppa, Gabriel Paletta (injured); Amauri (suspended). In doubt: None.
Galloppa is is still out with his long-term knee injury, while centre-back Paletta is also unavailable. Having been one of the best defenders in Serie A over the last few seasons, he's the crociati's biggest miss. Suspended striker Amauri is popular with Donadoni and leaves a gap to be filled in attack, with French winger Jonathan Biabiany likely to be shifted central alongside Antonio Cassano in his absence.
Projected lineups
Fiorentina: Neto; Marcos Alonso, Stefan Savić, Gonzalo Rodríguez, Nenad Tomović; Massimo Ambrosini, David Pizarro, Alberto Aquilani; Joaquín, Borja Valero; Giuseppe Rossi
Parma: Antonio Mirante; Alessandro Lucarelli, Felipe, Mattia Cassani; Djamel Mesbah, Marco Parolo, Walter Gargano, Marco Marchionni, Aleandro Rosi; Antonio Cassano, Jonathan Biabiany
Match Date/Time: Monday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy
TV: beIN Sport USA (U.S.), BT Sport 2 (U.K.), Sky Supercalcio HD, Sky Calcio 1 (Italy)
Online: beIN Sport Play (U.S.), BT Sport 2 (U.K.)
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