Thank God It's Friday the British would say. Fiorentina-Juventus is undoubtedly the key match of the 14th day and, thanks to the next (decisive) European match of the Lady, it will be played on Friday (20.45 pm). It goes without saying that this challenge is deeply felt and not just for ranking issues.
In fact, the rivalry between the Viola and the Bianconeri has always been very high, so much so that, if it weren't for the approximately 400 km that separate Turin and Florence, one could easily speak of a derby. At Juve the memory of 20 October 2013 is still alive, when Fiorentina recovered the 0-2 in the first half for the sensational 4-2 final, while in the parts of the Arno the 0-1 of last 21 continues to burn. March, which sanctioned the elimination from the Europa League.
“The past doesn't count, this is a very important match regardless – explained Montella in the press conference. – The opponent is top-level, it will be very difficult to win but we want to give the fans something great”. The Viola coach appeals to his heart, but not only. His team is clearly recovering, as demonstrated by the two consecutive away victories between Verona (1-2) and Cagliari (0-4), moreover, after a rather complicated period, several important players have returned.
“Fiorentina is proving to be in good shape – admitted Allegri. – Playing at home is never easy, then against Juve there is a historic rivalry full of tension. But we think we'll go home with a positive result." The bianconeri don't want to give up an inch, on the other hand Roma are pressing and the calendar, this time, gives them a favorable turn (Sassuolo at home). “I'm not thinking of them, but only of Fiorentina – Allegri's diplomatic answer. – It's normal that they think they can win the Scudetto, we too think the same thing. We have to win to stay ahead and maintain the three-point lead, otherwise it will be a good fight until the end."
However, it is inevitable that the head, albeit unknowingly, is already in the direction of the Champions League. In fact, on Tuesday Juventus will play their lives against Atletico Madrid, for what we can already call the first in or out of the season. Allegri, to measure up or simply shuffle the cards a bit, seems intent on returning to the 3-5-2, moreover with numerous twists and turns. In defense, in front of the returning Buffon, Ogbonna, Bonucci and Chiellini will act, in midfield Pereyra, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba and Evra (time off for Marchisio). The biggest surprises, however, concern the attack: out of Tevez, space for Llorente (still bench for Morata who, however, at this point, is a candidate for the Champions League) and for the young Coman, preferred over Giovinco. Typical formation instead for Montella's Fiorentina: Neto in goal, Savic, Gonzalo Rodriguez and Basanta in defense, Joaquin, Mati Fernandez, Pizarro, Borja Valero and Marcos Alonso in midfield, Cuadrado and Gomez in attack.
