Fiorentina vs Lazio

Fiorentina are home to host the suddenly rejuvenated SS Lazio as week 30 of Serie A gets underway. Fiorentina are coming off of a loss on the road, while Lazio just pulled off a very uplifting and emotional win in the Rome derby.

The side managed by Cesare Prandelli are in 4^th place of the league table with 50 points. Fiorentina sit 5 points behind 3^rd place Juventus and 4 up on AC Milan thanks to Milan’s failure to win their match during the midweek fixtures of week 29. If the season ended today, Fiorentina would have a chance at qualifying for the Champions League. They are coming off of a 2-0 loss away to Napoli at the San Siro. The viola have posted 3 wins and 2 draws over their last 5 games. The injured list this week consists of Jorgensen, Gamberini and Semioli. The Argentine Santana is expected to come on for Semioli while Christian Vieri will be making his first start since the 24^th of February.

Lazio picked up what will probably go down as their most important victory of the season in their last match when they held serve and defeated AS Roma by a score of 3-2 in the derby match at the Stadio Olimpico. They are now in 9^th place of the Serie A table with 37 points, just behind 8^th place Atalanta on goal difference and 1 point up on 10^th place Napoli. They are undefeated over their last 5 matches with 3 wins and 2 draws. Manager Delio Rossi is expected to employ some type of turn over this week with Rozenhal coming on in defense. Meanwhile, the injured list includes a number of players including Radu, Del Nero, Firmani, Diakite and Zauri. Look for Mudingayi and Mutarelli to come on in midfield.

While Fiorentina have been the better side overall this season, Lazio are playing their best football of the year. Their form of late has been impressive and the fact that they were able to defeat Roma in a match that meant everything to their title hopes shows that on any given day the biancocelesti are capable of beating anyone. They should prove to be very tough for Fiorentina.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)