Stefano Pioli won’t call the clash Atalanta a head-to-head for Europe and continues to protest Fiorentina’s experience with referees.
It kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Viola are still smarting from their defeat to Inter, having criticised several refereeing decisions, including those viewed via VAR.
Stefano Pioli won’t call the clash Atalanta a head-to-head for Europe and continues to protest Fiorentina’s experience with referees.
It kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Viola are still smarting from their defeat to Inter, having criticised several refereeing decisions, including those viewed via VAR.
“Something has changed this season in the way VAR is used. We were told it was meant to only be implemented when there was a clear and obvious error by the referee, so we just want the rules to be applied fairly for all. It’s not right for players to demand VAR,” said Pioli in his Press conference.
“It was a very good performance at San Siro, but in some situations we weren’t concentrated enough. An error can happen, the important thing is for someone else to be there and cover for it. We made two or three consecutive errors and they compromised the result.”
Atalanta have struggled badly ever since losing the Europa League play-offs to FC Copenhagen on penalties, so Fiorentina hope to take their place this season as contenders for a top six spot.
“It is a team with great attacking potential. We have prepared well and are aware it’s going to be very tough,” continued the Coach.
“I don’t know if it’s a head-to-head for Europe, but it’s inevitable Atalanta will have suffered from starting the season on July 26. We are only 40 per cent through our project here and it’ll take time before we can make any comparisons with Atalanta or anyone else. What I do know is that we have ample room for improvement.”
Cristiano Biraghi could be rested in favour of 20-year-old Slovakian David Hancko, who made his Serie A debut as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over SPAL.
Fiorentina squad for Atalanta: Dragowski, Ghidotti, Lafont; Biraghi, Ceccherini, Diks, Vitor Hugo, Hancko, Laurini, Milenkovic, Pezzella; Benassi, Dabo, Fernandes Edimilson, Norgaard, Gerson, Veretout; Chiesa, Eysseric, Mirallas, Pjaca, Simeone, Thereau, Vlahovic