Novara Calcio vs Fiorentina preview - Caracciolo hopes to make impact

Strugglers Novara have bolstered their attacking line ahead of the visit of Fiorentina with the signing of Andrea Caracciolo from Genoa.

The promoted outfit head into Sunday's Serie A game languishing in the relegation zone coming out of the winter break.

Caracciolo has joined Novara on a six-month loan deal from Genoa with an option to make his move a permanent one at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old has had limited opportunities to impress at Genoa this term but is determined to make an impact for his new club.

"I hope I can help Novara do well by scoring goals," Caracciolo said. "My only wish is to contribute to my new team.

"I have chosen Novara because they believe in me and I have confidence in the club's project.

"This is an opportunity for me to relaunch my career after a negative spell at Genoa and I hope I can help the club avoid the drop."

Novara, coached by Attilio Tesser, need all the help they can get as little has gone right for them this campaign.

With just two wins in 16 games, it is no surprise they find themselves 18th in the standings, three points off safety.

Rivals Fiorentina head to the Stadio Silvio Piola desperate to claim their first win on the road this season.

The Viola have mustered just three points of their current 18 away from home while they have clinched just one win in their last seven games.

Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi knows his side must make drastic improvements this year.

"My players have returned from the break in good shape and now we must archive 2011," he said.

"We have faith for the New Year but have a lot of work to do to turn things around."

Fiorentina lie 14th, just four points clear of Novara.