DEFYING EXPECTATIONS

At the start of the season, Fiorentina were expected to finish in a table of the Italian Serie A, but they have managed to defy expectations so far. The arrival of players like Alberto Aquilani coupled with the young and tactical mind of Vincenzo Montella has made them an unlikely European place qualifier this season. Aquilani’s form has been such that he has even been linked with a return to Anfield by liverpool football news.

Fiorentina are in with a shout to finish in the top three positions of the Italian Serie A with only a few matches remaining in the season. They are just one point behind third placed AC Milan, who are in the final Champions league qualifying spot.

They are almost assured of an European qualification place even if it is in the form of the Europa league, as they are currently having a six point advantage over fifth placed Roma in the table. The former Italian international, Vincenzo Montella, has managed to get Fiorentina to 7 wins in the last 10 matches.

There are only four matches remaining in the season and the 38-year-old has said that he is confident of finishing in the top three. Fiorentina could have taken the third placed during last weekend itself, but AC Milan managed to produce a great comeback against Catania to win the match 4-2.

“Let us consolidate our place in the (UEFA) Europa League. After that we’ll then see about the rest and the duel with Milan. They (Milan) have a lot more experience than we do, but my side is alive and we’re going through a good moment. We will be taking on a great side. They have some great players and you can lose against a team like them. I’d take Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and Erik Lamela out of their side,” said Montella after the weekend’s match. Fiorentina achieved a 3-0 win over Sampdoria during the weekend.