Fiorentina were considered a top four challenging side in Serie A at the start of the season but the Viola are far from breaking into a Champions League spot at the moment.
Four defeats and two draws in seven league fixtures have dragged the Viola to the foot of the table with just five points. Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is under massive pressure to resurrect his side’s fortunes and although the Viola have stressed that the Serbian’s job is not under any threat, things could change very soon.
Nevertheless, Fiorentina midfielder and captain Riccardo Montolivo, who missed last weekend’s defeat to Sampdoria, has urged his team to restore lost pride and says, "We are disappointed. But we don't have any fear.
"The team is behind Mihajlovic and our coach is the least responsible for this situation. We know how important Saturday's game against Bari is.
"We are all aware of our strength but we have to prove it when it matters. I ask the fans to remain close to us and help us in this difficult time.''
The Struggle Continues
Bari were last season’s surprise package in 2009-10 but they have been far from impressive this time around. At the moment the Galletti are 14th in the table with eight points from seven matches.
Last weekend Bari went down 2-0 to Serie A leaders Lazio and coach Giampiero Ventura knows that they will have to bounce back on Saturday and try to collect maximum points from their trip to Florence.
He explains, "When you don't get any points, some worries start to creep in. It seemed the season was going to be a breeze, but it isn't so.
"The league seems to be more competitive than with respect to last year.''
However, Bari have yet to win away from home in the league and have lost two of their three matches on their travels.
TEAM NEWS
Fiorentina
Jovetic, D’Agostino and Zanetti are out while Mutu is still suspended. The Viola will line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Ljajic playing just behind striker Gilardino.
Bari
Romero and Raggi are out injured. Bari are likely to use a flat 4-4-2 shape with Barreto and Castillo as their main strikers.
Prediction
Fiorentina will not lose this game and with a little bit of luck they will just edge Bari and carve out a narrow victory.
Fiorentina 1-0 Bari 
