Bayern clash ‘our biggest game of the season'

AC Fiorentina have fluffed their lines in the build-up to Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Bayern. Cesare Prandelli’s men lost 2-1 at home to Juventus on Saturday to make it seven defeats in their last ten matches, including the 2-1 reverse in the Round of 16 first leg in Munich.

“We played well, especially in the first half, but we were downright unlucky in certain situations,” commented Prandelli, whose team have taken just one point from their last five league fixtures: “We faded after half-time, which made things even more difficult."

The 38,000 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi saw the home side trail early on to a second-minute goal from former Bremen schemer Diego. Marco Marchionni equalised on the half-hour, but half-time sub Fabio Grosso struck the visitors’ winner 20 minutes from time. Fiorentina remain bogged down in lower mid-table in the Serie A standings.

Focus on Bayern

Straight after the final whistle, the players and coaching staff turned their attention to Tuesday’s clash. “As of now, we’re focusing on Bayern. We’ll come back to Serie A as of Wednesday,” declared midfielder Riccardo Montolivo: “Bayern have a truly good team, but they won’t underestimate us."

“There’s no point shedding tears. The vital thing is for my players not to start thinking they’re victims,” said Fiorentina boss Prandelli: “The game against Bayern Munich is our biggest match of the season."

Fiorentina line-up on Saturday:
Frey - Comotto (De Silvestri 79), Felipe, Natali, Gobbi - Zanetti (Keirrison 73), Montolivo - Vargas (Bolatti 57), Jovetic, Marchionni - Gilardino