Chievo vs Fiorentina preview - Pizarro returns for in-form Viola

Fiorentina will be looking to maintain momentum when they take on strugglers Chievo in Verona on Sunday following their recent impressive performances.

The Viola go into this weekend's match in high spirits after a 3-0 Europa League triumph over Pandurii on Thursday moved the Italians top of Group E.

Goals from Joaquin, Matos Ryder and Guillermo Cuadrado handed the Florence outfit their third straight win in the continental competition.

That result followed last weekend's stunning 4-2 victory over Juventus - their first win against the Turin giants in Florence for 15 years.

"It has been a memorable game, an epic victory," said Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi, whose hat-trick against Juventus handed his side its fourth win of the campaign.

"We have given ourselves, our fans and the whole city a great satisfaction. We hope to continue to play as we are doing."

Rossi rested in midweek but will guide Fiorentina's attack at Chievo.

Fiorentina are sixth in the standings, level on 15 points with Inter, who are fifth.

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella will be without veteran midfielder Massimo Ambrosini, who is out for two weeks with a muscular injury.

The good news for Montella is that Chilean midfielder David Pizarro returns to the squad after serving a one-match ban on Thursday.

Rivals Chievo head into the game in Verona on the back of four straight defeats.

Last weekend's 2-1 loss at Genoa dropped the Flying Donkeys to 19th place.

With just four points taken in eight games, Chievo are feeling the heat.

"We will try with all of our strength to take three points against Fiorentina on Sunday," said Chievo striker Alberto Paloschi.

"The calendar certainly doesn't help us but we shouldn't obsess about it as sooner or later, you have to face the top teams."

Giuseppe Sannino's side has games against Serie A leaders Roma, Bologna and AC Milan coming up in the next weeks.