Juventus - Fiorentina Betting Preview: Expect goals at both ends in a Serie A grudge match

Juventus-Fiorentina Betting Preview: Expect goals at both ends in a Serie A grudge match

Feb 8, 2013 11:00:00 AM

There is no love lost between these two sides, but Al Hain-Cole expects plenty of talking points to be played out on the pitch thanks to the attacking capabilities of both teams

One of Italian football’s fiercest rivalries is reignited on Saturday night, when Fiorentina travel to face bitter foes Juventus.

Much of the hostility between the two clubs can be traced back to Roberto Baggio’s defection from Florence to Turin over 20 years ago, and tensions were stoked once again last summer by the champions allegedly scuppering La Viola’s move for Dimitar Berbatov.

With the atmosphere expected to be even more fractious than usual, the Bianconeri are favourites at 4/6 (1.67) with Paddy Power to rub salt in the wound by collecting all three points.

Vincenzo Montella’s men have not beaten the hosts in five years, and with just one win in their last five games, they are 4/1 (5.00) outsiders to end that run with victory on Saturday.

The sides played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw earlier on in the season, and 11/4 (3.75) is available for them to share the spoils at the Juventus Stadium.

The home side boast the best defence in Serie A this season, but have shown an uncharacteristically sloppy streak at the back in recent games.

Antonio Conte’s side have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine matches, and are sure to be tested against a talented opposition attack that has scored in every away game so far this season.

A bet on both teams to score would have paid out in nine of the visitors’ 12 matches on the road, as well as eight of the hosts’ last nine fixtures, so looks like the market to back at respectable 4/6 (1.67) odds.

Stevan Jovetic has been the undisputed star performer for Montella’s men this season, and is at the centre of all of their best attacking play.

His form has not escaped the attention of the current league leaders, who are said to be very keen to cause yet more outrage at the Artemio Franchi, by tempting him to follow in Baggio’s footsteps to Turin.

With the Montenegro international keen to impress his potential suitors, it could be worth backing him to hit the back of the net on Saturday, at attractive odds of 13/5 (3.60) with Paddy Power.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Both teams to score at 4/6 (1.67) with Paddy Power

Stevan Jovetic to score anytime at 13/5 (3.60) with Paddy Power

Sign up with Paddy Power for up to £250 in free bets

Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.

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