Fiorentina vsSteaua Bucuresti

Fiorentina vs Steaua Bucuresti

UEFA Champions League Group F, Matchday Two
Tuesday September 30th, 20:45 (CET)
Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence

This match day two encounter brings together Italy’s Fiorentina and Romanian team Steaua Bucuresti in a tactical war which will be played out on the Stadio Artemio Franchi battlefield. Both teams began the current European campaign with disappointing results - considering what they truly deserved out of the match - dropping points against German and French opposition. Thus, they'll both be keen to make up for their winless first weeks.

TEAM NEWS

Fiorentina

Fiorentina have no players suspended or within a booking of suspension. Italian international Alessandro Gamberini has returned to action after he dislocated his shoulder representing Italy in a World Cup qualifier against Cyprus two weeks ago. Gianluca Comotto is also available for the Viola, having recovered from injury, but Manuel Pasqual remains unavailable.

Wing-back Luciano Zauri sustained a head knock against Lyon, but the defender has recovered well and looks set to line up alongside Gamberini in the back line. Fiorentina is expected to use a 4-3-3 formation with Adrian Mutu, Gilardino and Mario Santana up front in a three man attack, while Felipe Melo is expected to start behind them.

Probable starting XI: Frey- Gobbi, Gamberini, Kroldrup, Comotto - Montolivo, Felipe, Donadel - Mutu, Gilardino, Santana.


Steaua

Steaua welcome back Banel Nicolita after the player served a one match ban on the last match day against Bayern Munich. Ifeanyi Emeghara and Mihaita Plesan are out with injuries and therefore unavailable for the Viola clash.

Ovidiu Petre and Mirel Radoi are recovering from injury and it is unclear whether they will take part in the European game, as both have only recently resumed training. Pawel Golanski, though, has returned to action following his knee injury.

Probable starting XI: Zapata- Marin, Ghionea, Goian, Ogararu - Toja, Gomes, Lovin, Semedo, Stancu - Arthuro


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fiorentina

Adrian Mutu will be facing many of his national team mates on Tuesday, but the player that has stood out for the Viola so far this season is his strike partner. Alberto Gilardino has been reborn in Florence with his new team. The former Milan hitman was bought in the summer and has since paid back the faith shown in him by the Viola. He netted against rivals Juventus and then hit a double against. Add to those crucual goals the his winners against Bologna and Genoa in two of the last three Serie A rounds.

He is coming up with the goods for the Viola so far this term and his partnership with Adrian Mutu is becoming a force to be reckoned with in Serie A. It seems that being reunited with coach Cesare Prandelli has brought out the best in Gilardino and Steaua would be wise to watch him very closely on Tuesday night.

Steaua

Sorin Ghoinea is a highly regarded centre-back who is considered one of the best defenders in Eastern Europe. Ghoinea was in fine form against Bayern strikers Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose on matchday one, keeping the prolific strikers from making their mark on the match. Ghoinea plays an important leadership role in the team and will be at the centre of much of the action, especially as he will attempt to keep Gilardino and Mutu quiet on the night.