Sunday 22nd January 2012, 2pm GMT
Appointed in November as Sinisa Mihajlovic’s replacement, Delio Rossi is already starting to feel some of the pressure which forced Mihajlovic out of the hot seat. Unhappy “ultra” supporters blocked the team’s exit from the dressing rooms last Sunday (after Fiorentina had lost at home to bottom-of-the-table Lecce), and demanded to be allowed to give the players a piece of their minds.
It’s likely that the Viola would have preferred an easier challenge this week than a journey to face Cagliari at the Stadio Sant'Elia. The Sardinians earned an impressive 1-1 draw at Juventus on Sunday, and their last home game was a 3-0 win over Genoa. Captain Daniele Conti returns to the Cagliari midfield for this game, although Portugese striker Nene and midfielder Sebastian Eriksson will be unavailable due to injury. Striker Khouma Babacar and midfielder Houssaine Kharja have been ruled out of the Fiorentina line-up.
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| Bruno's son Daniele Conte returns from injury tomorrow |
Goals could be a problem for Fiorentina here – one of the factors which has angered their supporters is the fact that striker Alberto Gilardino, who scored 48 goals for Fiorentina over three years, has just been sold to Genoa. Santiago Silva, who was signed during the summer, has returned to Velez Sarsfield of Argentina following an unsuccessful and brief Fiorentina career. The Viola have agreed to sign Amauri from Juventus, and while the Brazilian may help to fill the gap left by Gilardino, he won’t be available for Sunday’s game.
Cagliari have struggled to find the net themselves at times this season – their win over Genoa ended a goalless three-match run – although four goals in two games since the winter break will have coach Davide Ballardini hoping that the Rossoblu’s problems in front of goal are a thing of the past. This game looks very likely to be a low-scoring affair, but there is no value in backing under 2.5 goals at the odds on offer. Considering the pressure Fiorentina are under however, I think a small bet on a home win here is worth a shot.
Prediction – Cagliari to win – 3pts
Match odds: Cagliari 11/8
Draw 2/1
Fiorentina 2/1
