Fiorentina have had a yo-yo season, having lurched from the branch of hope to the bough of despair. Having commenced the new year on a positive note, drawing with Bologna away and then defeating Brescia at home, the Viola have since failed to sustain their momentum and going into Week 22 they are just five points above the relegation zone in 13th.
At the weekend Fiorentina slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Lazio in Rome and stretched the winless run to three matches. Not that it was an entirely surprising result - the Gigliati have not won a single league game away from Florence this campaign. At home, though, Fiorentina are formidable as they have lost just twice in Florence all season.
Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic wants his side to maintain that home record and stay focused against Genoa, and stated, "We are in an ugly situation. But we have to be the ones to come out of it. I am someone who never gives up, I am used to fighting.
"But at this time I cannot raise my voice, we just have to be calm and prepare for our next game. We must win. It will be a tough game and we are hoping to stop the rot.''
Back To Winning Ways
Genoa have been terribly disappointing this season, first under Gian Piero Gasperini and then under Davide Ballardini. Until this weekend the Grifoni had not won a single game in any competition in 2011 and were fast slipping into the murky waters at the basement.
However, the 3-1 defeat of Parma at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris at the weekend has resuscitated them and Genoa now find themselves a healthy seven points above the relegation zone in 12th. Hopes of garnering a European place at the end of the 2010-11 campaign have dried up but in a season that has threatened to collapse on them, finishing in mid-table wouldn't be a disaster.
Ballardini now hopes that his players regain their confidence and self-confidence and make an impression against Fiorentina, and stated, "We played a great game against Parma. I saw a big improvement from my players, especially in front of goal.
"Now we must pick up where we left off against Parma and win in Florence.''
TEAM NEWS
Fiorentina
Vargas, Natali, Jovetic and Frey are injured and will miss the game against Genoa.
Genoa
Antonelli and Hallenius are injured while Dainelli is suspended.
Prediction
Fiorentina have a good record at home and they are unlikely to lose. Genoa will be buoyant after their weekend victory and could manage a draw.
Fiorentina 1-1 Genoa 
