Fiorentina will be aiming to remain in the top half of the table when they host Monza in Serie A on Wednesday.
The visitors, meanwhile, could leapfrog their opponents on goal difference with a heavy victory.
Match preview
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After finishing in the top seven of Serie A for the first time in six seasons last time out, I Viola have not kicked on as much as they may have hoped to so far this campaign.
However, three wins from their last four games prior to the domestic season being paused due to the World Cup did at least allay any unlikely relegation concerns, with Vincenzo Italiano's side moving into the top half of the table as a result.
Nikola Milenkovic's unfortunate own goal in injury time did mean that they left things on a sour note in their last match, though, with AC Milan edging a nervy encounter 2-1 at San Siro.
As such, Italiano will be keen to bounce back with a victory and start 2023 on a positive note when they take on Monza in midweek.
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However, Monza are extremely unlikely to be pushovers on Wednesday, having significantly improved their form themselves as their debut campaign in Serie A has progressed.
The club's board, which is led by owner Silvio Berlusconi, made an early decision to replace Giovanni Stroppa with Raffaele Palladino in their managerial dugout in September, and have been rewarded by the 38-year-old helping move them nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Indeed, two home wins against Hellas Verona and Salernitana in their last three matches prior to the break suggests that they have more than enough about them to beat the teams expected to be in and around their league position come the end of the season.
As such, Palladino will be hoping that his side can punch above their weight against some of the bigger clubs in the division, having famously tasted victory against Juventus in his first game in charge.
Team News
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Fiorentina are likely to be without key attackers Nicolas Gonzalez and Riccardo Sottil due to hamstring and back injuries respectively.
Sofyan Amrabat is expected to be fit enough to start in midfield after starring for Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar.
Monza, meanwhile, could welcome Pablo Mari back to their matchday squad after the former Arsenal defender recovered from surgery on his back following a horrific knife attack on him while shopping at a mall in October.
However, Stefano Sensi is unlikely to make the trip to Florence due to an ankle injury, meaning that Nicolo Rovella and Matteo Pessina should continue at the base of the visitors' midfield.
Fiorentina possible starting lineup:
Terracciano; Dodo, Milenkovic, Igor, Biraghi; Amrabat, Mandragora; Ikone, Barak, Saponara; Cabral
Monza possible starting lineup:
Di Gregorio; Marlon, Caldirola, Mari; Ciurria, Pessina, Rovella, Augusto; Colpani, Caprari; Mota
We say: Fiorentina 2-1 Monza
Despite missing arguably their most talented forward in the shape of Gonzalez, we expect Fiorentina to edge an entertaining encounter on Wednesday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Brett Curtis
