Fiorentina - Roma Italy - Serie A Prediction

Fiorentina - Roma
25.04 20:30
Viola Must Bounce Back
Hanging On By A Thread
Roma have undoubtedly been the most inconsistent side in the Italian Serie A in 2009, as they have failed to win two league matches in succession since late January, when they accounted for Napoli and then Palermo two days later.
As a result, their chances of attaining Champions League qualification have taken a massive blow over the past month or so, as they had slipped eight points behind fourth place prior to last weekend’s round of matches.
Fortunately for the sake of the Giallorossi though, they managed to capitalize on Genoa’s shock 1-0 defeat at home to Lazio by scarping past a struggling Lecce side 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico. A brace by Francesco Totti was enough for the Romans to reduce the deficit to just five points with six games left this term.
With this in mind, the equation is simple for Luciano Spalletti’s men in regards to their European ambitions for next season. If they wish to pull off a miracle and attain qualification, they must win all of their remaining fixtures, which include difficult trips away to Milan and Florence, to face Fiorentina this weekend.
Their injuries and inconsistent form may play a part in preventing this from being the case; however, if they are motivated and determined to succeed from the onset in their upcoming clash, then there is no reason why they won’t be able to do the double over their Florentine opponents this season.
Prandelli will be without the injured pair of Mutu and Mario Santana, both of whom are unlikely to feature again this season. Felipe Melo has four matches of suspension remaining, and his replacement in the midfield is expected to be Marco Donadel, as was the case in the defeat to Udinese last weekend.
Injuries and off-field dramas continue to plague the capital club, and they have done so yet again in the lead-up to this crucial fixture. Cicinho and Juan have been joined by Alberto Aquilani on the long-term injury list, as the Italian midfielder is currently in Amsterdam treating an ankle problem. Jeremy Menez is also set to miss through injury, as is goalkeeper Doni, who is struggling physically, as well as mentally, according to his deputy, Artur.
PREDICTION
It will be a thrilling affair in Florence, as both sides will be desperate to win and attain three crucial points. Fiorentina were easily beaten last weekend by an in-form Udinese side; however, they will be keen to bounce back and impress in front of their fans this time around. Meanwhile, Roma will be aware that anything but a win here will end any hope they have of playing Champions League football next term, so for that reason I feel that this one will be an extremely entertaining and high-scoring draw.
Tip: Home/Draw, Odds 2.4/3.0; Over 2.5 goals, Odds 2.0;