View from the Opposition: Fiorentina

Stefano Rossi is a presenter on Radio Bruno - the club's official radio partner. Here's what he had to say about the upcoming game at the Artemio Franchi...

Defeat against Udinese, coupled with Cagliari's win over Crotone, has reopened the relegation talk for La Viola. Could they really go down?

"Personally speaking, I don't think Fiorentina will have any real difficulty staying up. But the mood among the fans is not especially positive, especially because it's almost three years now where the side has seemingly only been fighting to avoid relegation to Serie B. So now after every loss it seems people start thinking about relegation again.

"In any case, it's true that Fiorentina have a tough match ahead of them now against Roma - but after that the schedule has them facing Parma and Benevento in big games in quick succession. So I will wait until after those games to see whether or not relegation is something to really worry about."

How is Cesare Prandelli approaching the job differently, compared to Beppe Iachini?

"The main difference is with Dusan Vlahovic. His attitude has changed as a result. Before he suffered a bit because he was being rotated with Cutrone and Kouame - and so I think he put pressure on himself to really try and stand out every time he got a chance. Now, however, Prandelli has made him a guaranteed starter.

"In terms of tactics, after a bit of experimentation with four at the back, Prandelli has gone back to his roots. Perhaps Iachini was a bit more rough and ready, a bit more experienced in these battles at the bottom of the table, and would have picked up a few more points along the way. Instead Prandelli has tried to implement a beautiful playing style that has never quite come together."

What changes are you expecting against Roma?

"Tactically, nothing really. Prandelli has made it pretty clear he will go with a 3-5-2 up until the point the league status is safe. I expect Amrabat to come back in, as it was a bit of a surprise he was left out against Udinese - the treatment Castrovilli got the game before that. Perhaps Prandelli is trying to jolt his players. But up front it will be Ribery and Vlahovic."

So Vlahovic is the key player right now...

"I would say so. In terms of experience, quality and pay packet obviously it would be Ribery. But the Frenchman has lost a bit of his spark and his ability to really impact matches, whereas Vlahovic is just getting better."

Which player do you think could be the difference-maker for Roma, then?

"Knowing Fiorentina history as I do, it is often the ex players that hurt us. So I would say Veretout. In Florence he did realy well. In his second season, in order to give Badelj space further forward, they made the mistake of using him in front of the defence - limiting his ability to get forward. But in the first season he showed what he could do in that respect and scored eight goals.

"He's a complete player. I know that France have a lot of talent, but I struggle to understand why he's never had a chance at international level."

What's your prediction for the game?

"After hearing what the sporting director Daniel Prade had to say after the game against Udinese, I'm expecting a reaction from the players. They will want to deliver a big performance against Roma. Even a draw would get them back on track."