Probable starting eleven: (source: goal.com)
Fiorentina:
Frey, De Silvestri, Gambarini, Natali, Pasqual; Montolivo, Donadel; Marchionni, Jovetic, Vargas; Gilardino
Roma:
Julio Sergio, Cassetti, Mexes, Juan, Riise; De Rossi, Pizarro; Taddei, Perrotta, Vucinic; Totti
Derby game in Italy Serie A. My opinion is that Fiorentina is closer to victory. The main reason is very simple - home factor plus personal problems at Roma squad. As You probably know, Luca Toni pick the injury against Juventus two weeks ago and wont play tonight. Burdisso is suspended. Three more players are struggling with injuries, all three crucial for Roma - Mexes, Totti and De Rossi. Probably some of them will be forced to play, but the question is how prepared they are having on mind that didn't training almost whole week. I must add the fact that Mirko Vucinic is out of form.
Last mutual games are on Fiorentina side. Two victories and three draws is sure indicator of home advantage. Here are the results:
| 2008/09 |
ITA 1 |
Fiorentina - Roma |
4:1 |
| 2007/08 |
ITA 1 |
Fiorentina - Roma |
2:2 |
| 2006/07 |
ITA 1 |
Fiorentina - Roma |
0:0 |
| 2005/06 |
ITA 1 |
Fiorentina - Roma |
1:1 |
| 2004/05 |
ITA CUP |
Fiorentina - Roma |
1:0 |
And finaly Roma didn't play very good away from home. Yes, they did won against Juventus in Torino, but don't forget two facts: first, Juventus is very bad at the moment, and second, Roma have a player more after Buffon received red card.
I expect a hard and closed battle, but I also think Fiorentina is closer to victory. Posted on Feb-07-2010 at 18:09 CET |