Vincenzo Montella deals with a Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”4″>Fiorentina injury crisis for tonight’s trip to Atalanta” data-scaytid=”5″>Atalanta and takes a sideswipe at Adriano Galliani. “He can pay for his own bodyguard.”
Vincenzo Montella deals with a Fiorentina injury crisis for tonight’s trip to Atalanta and takes a sideswipe at Adriano Galliani. “He can pay for his own bodyguard.”
The Viola travel to Bergamo for the 19.45 UK time kick-off (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Stevan Jovetic is out with a muscular problem and has been joined on the treatment table by Luca Toni, Stefan Savic, Michele Camporese, Mati Fernandez, Giuseppe Rossi and Rafal Wolski. Nenad Tomovic is suspended, while Manuel Pasqual remains a doubt for tonight.
“Pasqual’s fitness test was satisfying, but not sufficient, so I will only make a decision before kick-off,” revealed Montella in his Press conference.
“If Manuel can’t make it, then Cristian Llama is a more attacking option, even if he too has a bruise to his ankle that hasn’t allowed him to train regularly. We could change something in tactical terms. We’re ready for anything. Who will wear the captain’s armband? We’ll see.
“Mounir El Hamdaoui has a big chance of starting the game. He shook off his injury problems and is available. We have other players who can substitute those who aren’t here, even if they have different characteristics.”
Atalanta are fresh from fighting back for a shock 4-3 victory away to Inter, while Fiorentina also turned around their 2-2 draw with Milan from 2-0 down with 10 men.
“This is going to be a crossroads for us, as this result will tell us what we can really fight for this season,” continued the Coach.
“Atalanta are very organised defensively and have great attacking players like German Denis and Giacomo Bonaventura. I particularly like Bonaventura a lot, because he can take on various different roles.
“We are in an emergency situation against a strong team, but must not look for alibis. We need the utmost determination in this game.”
Montella also commented on the incident that occurred during Fiorentina-Milan, when angry fans hurled abuse and objects at Rossoneri Vice-President Galliani, forcing him to leave the VIP area at half-time.
“I don’t think anything new happened in the stands and the situation was blown out of proportion. There were insults towards a club and a set of fans who have always stood out from the rest in terms of fair play. Those who needed to be punished were caught and it’s over the top to blame an entire city and set of supporters.
“Galliani said next time he’ll come to Florence with added bodyguards? Fine, as long as he pays for them…”
Fiorentina squad for Atalanta: Aquilani, Borja Valero, Bernardeschi, Compper, Cuadrado, El Hamdaoui, Larrondo, Ljajic, Llama, Lupatelli, Migliaccio, Neto, Pasqual, Pizarro, Rodriguez, Romulo, Roncaglia, Sissoko, Viviano