Cagliari vs Fiorentina

Cagliari and Fiorentina will meet in a clash between clubs which still have loads to play for in the final stretch of the Serie A season. Cagliari are too close for comfort with regard to the drop zone of the league table while Fiorentina are being challenged by both AC Milan and Sampdoria for the final Champions League spot.

I sardi had been playing very well of late but ran into league leaders Inter Milan last week and fell by a score of 2-1 at the Giuseppe Meazza. With that loss Cagliari remain in 15^th place of Serie A with 35 points. They are just behind 14^th place Catania on goal difference but sit just 2 points ahead of both Empoli and Reggina who are tide for a relegation slot. The side managed by Ballardini simply cannot afford a loss at this time and this game at home to Fiorentina is a final. The injury list this week consists of Marchini, Parola, Magliocchetti and Acquaresca. Look for the home side to employ a 4-3-1-2 with Matri to start along with Jeda upfront.

Fiorentina are in 4^th place of the league table with 60 point on the present campaign. Last week they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Sampdoria. That result hurts Cesare Prandelli’s side as it allowed AC Milan to pull to within just 2 points of them at 58. Fiorentina have now posted 2 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw over their past 5 games. The rest of the week was no better for the viola as they lost to Glasgow Rangers in the semi final round of the UEFA CUP. This match away to Cagliari is all they have left to play for at this time. The lone injury concern for this contest is Christian Vieri who is finished for the season while Montolivo will sit out due to suspension. Prandelli will continue to utilize the 4-3-3 with Mutu, Pazzini and Semioli in attack.

Despite the loss to league leaders Inter Milan last week there is no question that Cagliari have responded to new manager Ballardini. They are much more competitive and defensively the tactics appear to have been sorted out to a point where they are now not an easy club to score upon. Fiorentina could have a very tough time against a club that is playing for its survival and the impact of the loss to Rangers could still linger in their heads.

Prediction: Cagliari (1-0)