Fiorentina vs AC Milan preview - Milan players rally round Inzaghi

Posted Sunday, March 15, 2015 by PA

AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi has received the backing of his players after a disappointing run of form.

The Rossoneri go into Monday's game at Fiorentina having collected just two wins in their last 11 Serie A games.

Last week's 2-2 draw at home to Hellas Verona followed a goalless result at Chievo.

Their recent setbacks have put further pressure on Inzaghi, who replaced Clarence Seedorf last summer.

"We are all behind our coach," AC Milan defender Ignazio Abete told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He is always there for us.

"It hasn't been a good season so far but we are Milan.

"We have the duty to qualify for Europe next season. We will try to give our all, starting on Monday.

"We know we face a difficult match but don't think for a second that we are not going to clinch three points at Fiorentina."

The Rossoneri are hoping to play in next season's Europa League but are seven points adrift of Sampdoria, who are sixth and hold the last qualifying spot.

Fiorentina are fifth in Serie A and looking to put a disappointing week behind them.

The Viola saw their 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions ended in a 4-0 reverse at Lazio on Monday - their heaviest defeat of the campaign.

Vincenzo Montella's men then conceded a late equaliser to settle for a 1-1 home draw in their all-Italian showdown against Roma in the Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday.

"We are disappointed to have given away a goal at home and not made the most of our chances," Montella said. "I still believe we can go through and score in the return leg (March 19).

"Now we must recover our energy and focus on another difficult match on Monday."

Fiorentina have not lost at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Serie A since November 9.

The hosts are without midfielder David Pizarro and striker Mario Gomez, both out injured.

Moreover, defender Nenad Tomovic is suspended.

b Milan are without 10 players through injury while midfielder Andrea Poli must serve a one-match ban.