Cagliari vs Fiorentina preview - Marin may make Fiorentina debut

Fiorentina midfielder Marko Marin could make his Serie A bow in Sunday's game at Cagliari.

The on-loan German player from Chelsea has struggled with injuries since the start of the season but is returning to fitness and in the Europa League win on Thursday in France, he started and scored in the Viola's 2-1 victory.

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella said of the 25-year-old to the Italian media: "Marin is working well and he must continue like this.

"He is a player of great quality and I believe he can give a lot more than we saw against Guingamp.

"I am nevertheless satisfied with his performance although he still has to improve his physical condition.

"In attack, he is suitable for our characteristics of play."

The midweek win over Guingamp ensured the Viola would finish first in their group.

It also added to the momentum that Fiorentina started to build last weekend when they snapped a two-game losing streak with a 2-1 triumph at Hellas Verona.

The outcome in Verona was Fiorentina's second away win of the season and lifted the outfit to 10th place in Serie A.

Cagliari, five points behind the Viola, head into the encounter looking for their first win at the Sant' Elia.

The Sardinian outfit have collected just three points - all from draws - of a possible 15 at home.

The Islanders have drawn three of their last four league games, including a 3-3 draw at Napoli last time out.

That result lifted Zdenek Zeman's side to 16th place, just two points clear of the drop zone.

The visitors are still without injured captain Manuel Pasqual.