Bologna vs Fiorentina preview - Olivera in for La Viola
Posted Wednesday, February 01, 2012 by PA
Fiorentina strengthened their midfield line with the signing of Ruben Olivera from Lecce ahead of their Serie A game at Bologna.
The Uruguay international joined the Viola on a permanent transfer yesterday, becoming Fiorentina's third reinforcement in the winter transfer market following the arrivals of midfielder Guido Pizarro from Lanus and forward Carvalho Amauri from Juventus.
"I am delighted to be here," the former Juventus player said. "I hope to give my contribution to the team as soon as possible."
Olivera, who made 12 league appearances for Lecce this season, will not be available for selection on Wednesday with the South American forced to serve a one-match ban.
The Viola go into the encounter at the Renato Dall' Ara stadium looking to pick up where they left off in Sunday's 2-1 win over Tuscan neighbours Siena.
The result was Fiorentina's second win in seven games and lifted Delio Rossi's side to 10th place.
"We still have a lot of room for improvement," Rossi said. "But the important thing is that we give continuity to Sunday's result."
Stevan Jovetic will again lead Fiorentina's attack alongside recent signing Carvalho Amauri.
Rivals Bologna will be no pushovers after ending Roma's four-match winning streak with a 1-1 result in the Italian capital last time out.
That was the Rossoblu's third consecutive draw.
Bologna, who are 16th in the standings, will be looking to extend their four-match unbeaten run on Wednesday.
Stefano Pioli's side have lost just one of their last five games at home.
"We have recovered self-esteem and belief in recent weeks," Pioli said. "We are in good form and we showed that at Roma.
"If we show the same concentration and hunger than we did against Roma, we can beat anyone."
The hosts have received good news ahead of the encounter, with defender Andrea Raggi and midfielder Diego Perez having recovered from minor knocks.
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