Fiorentina on road to Europe

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Fiorentina on road to EuropeVictory against AS Roma on Sunday would put ACF Fiorentina on course for a return to European competition for the first time since 1999/00.<p></p></P>
<B>otentially decisive </B>
With Italy's three UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists taking on the bottom three sides, Sunday's game at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence stands out in the Serie A fixture list. It could also decide which of the two teams go into next season's UEFA Champions League. With seven matches remaining, Fiorentina are fourth, one point above fifth-placed Roma, and they go into the weekend full of confidence after winning 14 of 16 home games this term. Luca Toni's return to goalscoring form may also give the hosts the edge.<p></p></P>
<B>Toni strike</B>
Toni bounced back from missing a penalty against Cagliari Calcio to register his 25th goal of the campaign in last Saturday's 3-1 defeat at AC Milan. The Italy striker is one goal short of Gabriel Batistuta and Kurt Hamrin's club record for the most Fiorentina goals in a season. Roma coach Luciano Spalletti must once again negotiate a long injury list, especially in attack where Francesco Totti, Vincenzo Montella and Shabani Nonda remain sidelined. Nonetheless, the Giallorossi continue to impress, earning a 1-1 draw at runaway leaders Juventus last weekend.<p></p></P>
<B>Ambition test</B>
"Sunday's game is a test of our ambition," Spalletti said. "A draw will not change the situation but a win would be crucial for both sides. Fiorentina are in good form and have a great coach in Cesare Prandelli. Both teams deserve to play in the UEFA Champions League next season for what we have done so far." Fiorentina winger Martin J&oslash;rgensen knows Spalletti well, having played under him at Udinese Calcio. "He can form a very tightknit squad," he said. "His teams play at a high tempo and are difficult opponents, but Prandelli is also a great coach and I hope he will have the last word on Sunday."<p></p></P>
<B>Top against bottom</B>
Elsewhere, top meets bottom on Saturday as Juventus visit Treviso FC, AC Milan travel to US Lecce, and FC Internazionale Milano host FC Messina Peloro. The Bianconeri are eight points clear of Milan in the Scudetto race. <p></p></P>