Fiorentina vs Chievo preview - Montella aiming for top four

Posted Saturday, May 30, 2015 by PA

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella wants to put an exclamation mark on a positive season for the Viola in Sunday's home game against Chievo.

The Tuscany outfit head into the encounter at the Artemio Franchi stadium in fifth position, two points adrift of fourth-place Napoli and two points clear of Genoa, who are sixth in the standings.

For a long stretch in the second half of the season, Fiorentina were one of the best teams in Serie A and looked as if they might qualify for the Champions League.

They reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals and were eliminated by eventual winners Juventus.

Sevilla also defeated Fiorentina in the last four of the Europa League before winning the competition.

If results go their way on Sunday, Montella's team can end the season in fourth place.

"Our campaign is still open and we can challenge Napoli for fourth place as well as defend fifth," Montella said to Italian TV station Mediaset.

"We have proved this season we are a strong team and we want to finish as high as possible in the standings.

"We will look to end our campaign with a win against Chievo."

Fiorentina are riding a four-game winning streak in Serie A and last weekend's 3-2 triumph at Palermo ensured them of a top-six finish.

"It was an important and deserved win,"Montella said.

Fiorentina fans will be hoping that Montella will remain at the club next season.

Montella is a reported candidate to replace the departing Napoli coach Rafael Benitez this summer.

"I have a contract with Fiorentina and I haven't spoken to any other clubs," Montella said. "I will speak to the club directors at the end of the season.

"We will get together and decide together if we are to continue."

Chievo coach Rolando Maran has praised his players ahead of trip to Florence despite his team being in the midst of a four-match winless run.

The Flying Donkeys are 14th in the standings and already looking ahead to another season in Italy's top flight.

"I compliment my players," Maran said. "It's true that we haven't won many games lately but my players have shown great determination throughout the season."

Chievo are without defender Bostjan Cesar, who must serve a one-match ban.