Fiorentina vs Livorno preview - More to come from Viola - Montella

Posted Saturday, January 04, 2014 by PA

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella believes there is still plenty of improvement in his side as they prepare to heap more Serie A misery on Tuscan neighbours Livorno at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday.

Giuseppi Rossi's 14th goal in 17 league games against Sassuolo extended his side's winning run to three games and lifted them to fourth place in the table, three points behind Napoli.

Montella responded by describing the former Manchester United striker as a "genius" and is convinced his team's surprise form can push them all the way towards Champions League contention.

Montella said: "I feel we have more room for growth despite the excellent level we have already achieved.

"My goal is to be a match for anyone. I would like to let in fewer goals and win matches more smoothly, but we have got a lot to work with. We are still incomplete and there is room for growth."

Fiorentina are boosted by the return of midfielder Juan Cuadrado, who was forced to sit out the win over Sassuolo due to a one-match suspension.

Livorno head into the game second bottom of the table and looking increasingly likely to make a quick return to Serie B.

Davide Nicola's side lost 2-1 at home to Udinese last time out, a defeat which extended their dismal record this season to just one win from their last 15 games.

To add to the visitors' woes they will be without Brazilian defender Emerson due to suspension, and fellow midfielder Alessandro Lambrughi is also unavailable due to injury.