Vincenzo Italiano admits tomorrow’s showdown with Roma is ‘an important match for both teams to take a big leap up the table’ towards European qualification.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.
There is only one point separating them going into this weekend, as Roma sit in joint fourth with Napoli, while Fiorentina are right behind them in sixth.
“This is an important match for both teams, as we are both in the higher echelons and these are crucial points to take a big leap up the table,” Italiano told the official Fiorentina website.
“We know that we are up against a strong opponent, but we too are coming off a few good results and will try to find the consistency that we have too often been lacking. We need a step forward in terms of mentality.”
Fiorentina have a big Conference League game coming up, as simply avoiding defeat with Ferencvaros will be enough to guarantee first place and avoiding the play-offs in February.
Meanwhile, fatigue could be an issue after their midweek Coppa Italia tie with Parma went to extra time and penalties, following a 2-2 draw.
“We are glad that we got through the Coppa Italia round, though they were 120 tiring minutes and we have to see how some lads are doing tomorrow. Nico Gonzalez is in the squad, he worked separately in training, but today stepped up the intensity. We have many commitments, so we’ll see how he is feeling.”
It is notable that Roma are extremely strong at the Stadio Olimpico and tend to be inspired by the succession of full houses.
“We know that Roma step up the intensity when inspired by their fans, but we need character and a battling spirit too,” added the Fiorentina coach.
“We are fully aware of their strengths, but also of our own and must cause them problems with our enthusiasm and confidence. It is the only way to emerge from a stadium atmosphere like that with a result.”
Dodo and Gaetano Castrovilli are the only remaining absentees.