Serie A Week 34 - 30/4/05 (20.30)
Fiorentina – Milan
Stadio Franchi
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In years gone by this would have been a crucial fixture in the race for Lo Scudetto. Now it is a six-pointer that affects both the title race and the battle to beat the drop. However, as the Viola proved against Juventus a fortnight ago, they can raise their game against the big boys and Milan’s recent record against Serie A’s lesser sides means that this game cannot be cast off as a definite away win.
Milan’s suspension list, which rules out Paolo Maldini, Kakha Kaladze and Massimo Ambrosini, is a cause for concern. But Marcos Cafu, Serginho and Rino Gattuso are the men likely to step into the gaps with Milan’s only other change expected to be Hernan Crespo replacing Jon Dahl Tomasson. Returning to Florence is Viola legend Manuel Rui Costa and he is tipped to retain his place in the Milan side ahead of Andrea Pirlo.
For the first time in his short spell as Fiorentina boss, Dino Zoff has a full strength squad to call upon even if Daniele Dainelli has now been ruled out through suspension. Christian Maggio returns from suspension to replace William Viali in defence in the only expected change from the side who drew 0-0 with Bologna last weekend. Valeri Bojinov is likely to be on the bench once more as he builds up his fitness levels after a lengthy absence.
Fiorentina fans will want to forget their previous meeting with the Rossoneri this season after they were hammered 6-0 at the San Siro. Clarence Seedorf, Andriy Shevchenko and Crespo all scored twice after Pirlo had missed a penalty.
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Fiorentina: Cejas; Ujfalusi, Maggio, Delli Carri, Chiellini; Ariatti, Donadel, Maresca, Jorgensen; Miccoli, Pazzini
Milan: Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Serginho; Gattuso, Rui Costa, Seedorf; Kakà; Shevchenko, Crespo