Fiorentina vs AS Roma preview - No favours from Montella

Posted Saturday, May 04, 2013 by PA

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella insists he would have no qualms whatsoever about beating his former club Roma, saying his side need the three points to realise their ambition of playing in the Champions League next season.

The Viola are just a point behind third-placed AC Milan and a qualifying berth for Europe's elite club competition and Montella cannot do his former club any favours in their quest to qualify for the Europa League.

The Giallorossi are currently fifth in the table, six points behind the Viola, but only a point clear of Udinese, two ahead of Inter Milan and three in front of Lazio.

"I have a strong bond with Roma," said Montella at a press conference. "I spent 10 years there and have lots of friends there.

"Games against Roma are never normal games for me, but all that matters to me is to consolidate our league position.

"With three points we would practically be assured of a place in the Europa League and it could open up interesting scenarios in terms of third place.

"This match is fundamental."

Montella will place his faith in Stevan Jovetic, despite recent criticism of his performances of late.

"If two of his team-mates had passed him the ball in Genoa, he would gave scored," said Montella.

"I am satisfied with him. Of course I expect more, given his talent."

Roma coach Aurelio Andreazzoli expects more from his team and, with a deficit of seven points on Milan, he has not fully ruled out snatching a place in the Champions League next season either.

"We are still in the hunt for many objectives, including a utopian one - the Champions League," he said.

"We are not out of the running for that mathematically yet."

Apart from the injured Maarten Stekelenburg, Andreazzoli has a fully-fit squad to choose from, including Daniele De Rossi, who has recovered from an ankle injury.