Fiorentina vs Catania preview - Simeone hopes to end barren run

Catania coach Diego Simeone believes there is no better time for his side to end their 13-month winless run on the road than in their match at Fiorentina.

The Sicilian outfit go into the encounter at the Artemio Franchi stadium on the back of a 2-1 triumph over Genoa.

The result was Catania's second win in three games and lifted Simeone's side three places and four points clear of the drop zone.

"We came from behind to earn three valuable points and that is what counts," Simeone said.

"The team reacted and that is a positive sign but we need to keep fighting."

Simeone knows his men must get their act together if they wish to avoid relegation.

Catania face a battle in the race to avoid the drop after four consecutive campaigns in Italy's top flight, having to play six of the remaining 11 games away from home.

"We need to start getting results on the road, starting at the Franchi stadium," Simeone said.

"Moreover, Catania has always lost at Fiorentina and we hope that we can end this negative trend on Sunday.

"It will not be easy but we are in good spirits and I believe my team will do it."

It was under Sinisa Mihajlovic that Catania last won away from home.

The Fiorentina coach, who led Catania to a 13th-place finish last term, joined the Viola last summer.

Little has gone right for Mihajlovic and Co this season. The Viola lie 12th in the standings, five points clear of Catania with 34 points from 27 games.

With just one win collected on the road this term, Fiorentina have relied on home results to remain above the drop zone.

The Viola have lost just once in their last nine games in Florence.

Mihajlovic's men will look to make amends for last weekend's 1-1 draw at bottom-side Bari which followed their goalless draw against Sampdoria.

Catania defender Nicolas Spolli returns from suspension while defender Blazej Augustyn serves a one-match ban.