Fiorentina will look to keep their winning ways on track in the post-Dusan Vlahovic era as they aim to beat Atalanta for the second time in 10 days following an excellent Coppa Italia victory over the side looking to get back into the top four
The Florence side have had just about as topsy-turvy of a campaign as a side could have in Italy this season as the club have managed to see some stunning form from the irreplaceable Dusan Vlahovic, only to lose him to Juventus to which they have lost and won without him already.
At the same time, they have managed to break into the top six on a few occasions this campaign, but now currently sit with a five-point gap behind their fifth-placed opponent’s this weekend, but at the same time, have now advanced into the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, where they, ironically, meet with Vlahovic and co. in a few weeks time.
Fiorentina did notably beat Atalanta on their route to that semi-finals which does set this clash up to be all the more enticing, as the home side can reignite their top five quest with a win, but a defeat will all but kill off their hopes of finishing in the Europa League via the league, unless drastic changes happen.
Back in that Coppa Italia clash, Fiorentina led early on through a Krzysztof Piatek penalty, before Atalanta took the lead through a goal either side of the half.
However, Piatek netted again but from open play, before, stunningly, Nikola Milenkovic snatched the winner with seconds to go after Lucas Martinez was sent off with 12 minutes remaining.
Atalanta have steadied the ship slightly following this torrid run of form, as they were able to snatch a point off the in-form Juventus last time out in the league and therefore stay on the tails of the top four.
The Bergamo outfit would then edge past Olympiacos in the Europa League after falling behind on home soil, as Berat Dijmsiti netted twice within three minutes to give Atalanta the lead heading into the second leg.
Fiorentina did win again as well last week to keep them inside the top eight, with Piatek scoring again, just as it was Sofyan Amrabat's turn to grab a late winner when the club beat Spezia 2-1.
With the recent history and form, it’s set to be an almighty close game and Forebet predicts a draw here and in a game that sees over 2.5 goals.