Fiorentina has bounced right back after their disappointing exit in the Champions League to Bayern Munich. They immediately resurrected against Napoli taking an impressive 1-3 away win and this weekend saw them win 3-0 at home against Genoa. The best part about these two games is that they came against 2 of the teams that they are fighting against when it comes to European qualification next season so Fiorentina has seriously but themselves back into contention. 

Catania
Ruled out: goalkeeper Andrea Campagnolo, defenders Alessandro Potenza and Giovanni Marchese, midfielder Cristian Llama and striker Gianvito Plasmati
Home game record: 5-5-4

Catania is heading into this game full of confidence as they recorded a rare win against Inter Milan in their last home game. Trailing late in the 2nd half they came back to score 3 goals in the last 16 minutes unleashing a giant celebration and a season high for the team. They followed this up with a 1-1 draw in the weekend away against Chievo Verona leaving them 7 points clear of the relegation zone with 9 games to play. The match however found the headlines for different reasons as UEFA’s match fixing suspicion once again was brought to life as international bookmakers recorded huge bets on the draw and also the result 1-1. Catania is facing some injury difficulties for this match and coach Mihajlovic is hoping for late miracles and calls upon the reserves to step up and deliver for this game. They are 3-2-0 in their last 5 home games.

Fiorentina
Ruled out: striker Adrian Mutu (suspended), defenders Alessandro Gamberini, Juan Vargas and Manuel Pasqual and midfielder Marco Marchionni
Away game record: 4-4-6

With 9 games to play Fiorentina finds themselves in 9th position but with only 6 points deficit to the 4th place that secures European qualification games for the Champions League. So nothing is decided yet and Fiorentina is full of confidence after two excellent wins after the somewhat underserved exit in the last 16 of the Champions League. Alberto Gilardini is in excellent form and it seems like they have recovered after the sudden suspension of Adrian Mutu due to drug accusations. Coach Prandelli has stated that Fiorentina will fight until the very end to finish within the top 6 that secures European football next season. With a budget like Fiorentina’s there is no doubt that they will suffer tremendously if they are to play a season without the economic boosts that European football secures. At this late stage of the tournament, continuity can be the key to victory and Prandelli has hinted that he will select the same starters as for the game against Genoa this weekend. They are 1-2-2 in their last 5 away games, with their only win coming at Napoli in their latest away game.

Conclusion
I believe moral is going to be the decider in this game and with Fiorentina’s recent form in mind and the historic fact that Fiorentina has won their last 7 games against Catania (their last 3 away games without conceding a goal), they must be heading into this game full of confidence. Player for player Fiorentina is the better team and I recommend betting on them to win.