Saturday 19th November 2011, 7.45pm GMT (live on ESPN)
Arguably the most exciting match-up in Serie A this weekend is the meeting of Fiorentina and champions AC Milan. Saturday’s game marks the debut of former Lazio and Palermo boss Delio Rossi as Fiorentina coach after his predecessor Sinisa Mihajlovic stepped down.
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| Delio Rossi salutes the Palermo fans last season |
Milan have been in fine form lately, and they will be hoping to continue a five-match winning streak, though Massimiliano Allegri has been preaching caution to his players ahead of this one. Fiorentina boast some quality players who will be eager to impress their new boss. Alessio Cerci has looked dangerous on the wing, and Riccardo Montolivo is an established creative force in midfield – not to mention Juan Manuel Vargas and Alberto Gilardino, who can always conjure up a match-winner out of nothing. Stevan Jovetić, who has scored some impressive goals for the Viola this season, is expected to start despite carrying a muscle strain.
Fiorentina have punched below their weight this season (wining just three of their first ten games), and Milan will be expecting to collect the points on Saturday and continue to climb the table. The visitors welcome striker Alexandre Pato back from a two-month absence due to injury. While Milan have the momentum, Fiorentina will put up a fight in front of their own fans, and I expect to see the ball hit the net a few times here.
Prediction - Over 2.5 goals – 4pts
Match odds: Fiorentina 12/5
Draw 11/5
AC Milan 11/10
Over 2.5 goals 11/10
