Fiorentina vs Sassuolo preview - Montella: Viola must bounce back
Posted Tuesday, May 06, 2014 by PA
Fiorentina are hoping to soften the blow of their Coppa Italia final defeat to Napoli by winning against Sassuolo on Tuesday.
A victory would see the Viola clinch fourth place in Serie A and a spot in the Europa League group stages.
"We want to win tomorrow to seal fourth spot," Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella said in Monday's press conference. "It would be a fantastic achievement for us to finish in the top four in Serie A."
Montella has urged his tired players to put in an extra effort against Sassuolo, having gone down 3-1 to Napoli on Saturday to see their hopes of lifting the club's first Coppa Italia since 2001 ended.
"We gave everything we had on Saturday," Montella said. "I know there is a risk that the team will slow down, but we must find the necessary energy to bounce back.
"There are three games remaining and we have to finish the campaign in the best possible way.
"The enthusiasm of our fans is much stronger than the disappointment felt after Saturday's game.
"Our supporters have been amazing and we hope to repay them with a great performance tomorrow."
Fiorentina are four points clear of nearest rivals Inter, who lost 1-0 at AC Milan on Sunday.
Montella is unlikely to hand Giuseppe Rossi a start against Sassuolo despite the Italy striker having returned to play on Saturday after a four-month absence through injury.
Rossi came on as a second-half substitute and played the last 18 minute against Napoli.
Relegation-threatened Sassuolo travel to Florence in need of points to preserve their top-flight status.
The promoted outfit lie 18th in the standings - just one place and one point behind Bologna, who hold the last position of safety.
Sassuolo face a difficult climax to the season with Genoa and Milan to follow after the encounter with Montella's side.
However, coach Eusebio Di Francesco has drawn some hope from their encouraging performance in their 3-1 defeat to Juventus last time out.
"With the mentality and the desire we showed against Juventus, I am convinced we can achieve safety," Di Francesco said.
The visitors will be without suspended midfielder Francesco Magnanelli.
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