Fiorentina vs Udinese

Fiorentina have been the surprise of the season in Serie A. A combination of grit, determination, and excellent production from key players has manager Cesare Prandelli’s side just 2 points back of league leaders Inter Milan through 11 rounds. The side from the Stadio Communale are one of only 3 unbeaten sides in the first division and are currently in the middle of a stretch that has seen them not concede a goal over 4 straight matches. As if that were not impressive enough, the Viola are coming off of a 6-1 slaughter of Elfsborg in their midweek UEFA Cup match. That victory extended their unbeaten run between Serie A and Europe to 21 consecutive matches.

The strong defensive effort is not to say that Fiorentina do not have a better than average attack. On the contrary, the combination of Montolivo and Romanian Adrian Mutu along with veteran Christian Vieri off of the bench gives opposing defenses fits. They have posted a very impressive goal difference of 18 scored with just 7 conceded. This week they are in for a challenge however as the visiting Udinese are quite the pesky side. They are currently on a 6 match unbeaten run and have conceded just 4 goals in 6 road matches in the present campaign. The strong work of Colombian center back Zapata has really fortified their back line.

The two sides come into their Round 12 matches with some injury concerns. Fiorentina right back Dainelli is not 100% and thus is listed as doubtful. If he cannot make the start, Kroldrup will come in to play alongside Ujfalusi. This was the modification that Prandelli employed against Elsborg earlier in the week and it got the job done. Meanwhile, the visitors are without their cultured right side midfielder Mesto who is out for two weeks with an injury. He will be replaced on the flank by Zapotocny.

With the clubs seemingly so evenly matched, and both sporting impressive defensive results to this point it is difficult to see one club having the edge over the other. Fiorentina a surely tough to beat at home but if anyone can match their tenacity on the defensive end it is the Friuli.

Prediction: Draw (0-0)