Fiorentina vs AC Milan

Fiorentina will host AC Milan in week 21 in a contest that features two clubs that are in impressive form of late. After some recent struggles the viola are finding their top form, while Milan have climbed from 12^th place to 6^th place in the span of 3 weeks.

The side managed by Cesare Prandelli are coming off of a 0-2 victory away to the struggling Empoli in their week 20 match at the Carlo Castellani. It was their 4^th consecutive victory. That 4 match win streak has seen them outscore the opposition by 11 goals to 3 and every facet of the club is running on all cylinders at this time. Those 3 points against Empoli give the side from the Artemio Franchi 37 points on the present campaign. Those 37 points have them in 4^th place of the Serie A table where they sit just 3 points back of the mighty Juventus and 4 points on top of Udinese. They will be missing Liverani to injury this week while Donadei will be serving a one match suspension. Liverani’s spot as play maker will go to Jorgensen in Prandelli’s 4-3-3 with Adrian Mutu, Pazzini and Santana in attack.

AC Milan were able to keep the points at home in round 20 with a solid 2-0 victory over Genoa at San Siro. The victory helps the rossoneri reach 6^th place in the Serie A with 30 points on the year. Carlo Ancelotti’s club are 3 points back of 5^th place Udinese and 2 points ahead of Sampdoria who sit in 7^th place. A victory over 4^th place Fiorentina in this contest would see AC Milan get within 4 points of the 4^th spot. On the injury front Dida is back at full training but Kalac is expected to get at least one more start in goal. Pippo Inzaghi, Ronaldo, and Gennaro Gattuso remain out. There exists the possibility that Ancelotti will go with just Gilardino as the lone striker in a 4-3-2-1 to help reinforce the midfield. That would leave the impressive Pato on the bench.

Expect this one to be very close. The fact that Ancelotti is toying with the idea of leaving Pato on the bench underscores the respect AC Milan have for Fiorentina. The loss of Gattuso in midfield is huge for the AC Milan defense and Emerson could be exposed by Fiorentina. The home side could squeak out the win.

Prediction: Fiorentina (1-0)