Fiorentina look to leapfrog Lazio in fight for European spots

The tussle for a prized Champions League place continues and could take an important twist this week in Serie A, as Lazio, 21/10 favourites with Coral to triumph, host rivals Fiorentina at the Stadio Olympico.

Neither side is currently in pole position, with Napoli stationed above them. However, next up, Rafa Benitez and his boys are at home to Inter Milan and, should they slip up, other challengers the Eagles and Viola can make up ground.

A draw is available at a tasty 12/5, but splitting the spoils would do neither side any good at this late stage of the season.

Lazio are just one point above Fiorentina, and three league wins on the bounce has put the Eternal City outfit back in the frame. Home advantage, plus just two defeats in their past nine duels with the Florentine team, mean everyone connected with the Eagles will be optimistic.

Potent predator Miroslav Klose is the most likely to pounce and pose problems for Neto in nets for the visitor. The formidable Poland-born German goal machine has struck twice in his last two Lazio games, so is a nifty 9/2 chance to have the final say, or 6/5 to hit home anytime.

Exciting Brazilian starlet Felipe Anderson was overlooked by Dunga for a Samba Boys squad call-up, but has been on target six times this term and has provided just as many assists, so back him 7/4 in the anytime market. Playmaker Antonio Candreva, meanwhile, is a superb 6/1 to open the scoring.

In a further boost for the Eagles, stopper Federico Marchetti could be available again, after sitting on the sidelines for the Coppa Italia clash with Napoli in midweek.