Bologna vs Fiorentina preview - Di Vaio ready for tough test

Posted Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by PA

Bologna captain Marco Di Vaio expects a difficult game against Fiorentina in their rescheduled Serie A clash.

The match at the Stadio Renato Dall' Ara was originally due to be played earlier this month, but was postponed due to heavy snow in Bologna.

Bologna go into the encounter on the back of Friday's 3-0 triumph at Inter Milan that extended their unbeaten run to six games.

The result lifted Stefano Pioli's side to 16th in the standings, four points clear of the drop zone.

Despite their good run of form, Di Vaio, who struck twice against Inter, has warned his team-mates to brace themselves for a battle.

"We are doing well but we cannot get carried away," he said. "We face a very tough game against Fiorentina and we need to be ready."

Bologna have won just two of their last six games at home but, fortunately for Pioli's men, Fiorentina have mustered only one win on the road this season.

The Viola lost 3-0 at home to Napoli on Friday to fall to 12th place, just three points clear of Bologna.

"We lost against a very good side," Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic said. "We cannot forget that our focus this season is to defend our Serie A status as soon as possible.

"We still have a lot of work to do."

Jovetic, who has struck 12 times this season, will lead Fiorentina's attack alongside Amauri.

The Viola's front line will have to be at their very best if they are to break Bologna's solid defence, which has conceded just two goals in its last six games.

Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi is without defenders Per Kroldrup and Manuel Pasqual as well as midfielder Houssine Kharja, all sidelined through injury.