WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND, AC MILAN v FIORENTINA PREVIEW

An intense March is about to come to a close for Maurizio Ganz's Rossonere with one of Serie A's fiercest rivalries. AC Milan and Fiorentina, joint-fourth in the table, meet on matchday 2 in the Championship Round. As we draw nearer to the game, let's build up to the game with our Match Preview.

LATEST PUMA HOUSE OF FOOTBALL
With the suspended Mascarello missing, AC Milan do have Kosovare Asllani back in the squad, who scored the last time the two teams faced each other. The Swede is the only player back, as Dompig (nearing a return), Guagni, Jonušaitė and Rubio are all unavailable due to injury. In their usual 4-3-3 formation, Ganz's side could make several changes from last week's game in Vinovo, with Adami set to complete a midfield trio with Dubcová and Grimshaw. The defensive unit is expected to be formed by Árnadóttir-Mesjasz-Nouwen-Thrige, with the front three comprising of Bergamaschi, Piemonte and Thomas. 

"We've another important game against Fiorentina", said Head Coach Maurizio Ganz on the eve of the game. "There are only seven games left. We're heading into this one on the back of a great performance against Juventus, that unfortunately didn't bring us any rewards. But we're focused on giving our all in this next fixture."

The Rossonere squad: Babb, Fedele, Giuliani; Árnadóttir, Fusetti, Mesjasz, Nouwen, Semplici, Soffia, Thrige; Adami, Bahlouli, Cesarini, K. Dubcová, Grimshaw, Premoli, Vigilucci; Asllani, Bergamaschi, Piemonte, Thomas.

LATEST FROM FIORENTINA
After three consectuive league defeats, conceding twelve goals in their last four games, the Viola come to Milan looking to stop the rot, in what is a sticky period for the team. Head Coach Panico will not be able to count on the services of Alice Parisi and Annahita Zamanian, who are suspended, with two other players on bookings in Cafferata and Eržen. In their last league game (1-5 defeat to Roma), the side from Tuscany set up with an untypical 3-5-2, with Hammarlund and Vero as a front pairing. Sunday's certain starters are to probably come from Schroffenegger in goal, Tortelli-Agard in defence and Jóhannsdóttir in midfield, as well as the above-mentioned front two.

"The secong leg in the Coppa Italia was a very tactical game, as were the others this season, not taking into account the 6-1", said Linda Tucceri Cimini on the eve of the game. "AC Milan's strength is certainly their attack: they have experienced players, who are lightening quick. We'll look to do our best to try and climb up the table; we're taking each game as it comes."

PRE-MATCH
At the PUMA House of Football, this will be their fifth meeting in all competitions, which has now become known as a 'fixture of former players'. There are ten in total, who have played for the opposition: six for AC Milan (Adami, Fedele, Piemonte, Vigilucci and the unavailable Guagni and Mascarello) and four for Fiorentina. The Rossonere and the Viola have the most number of scorers with different nationalities (eight each). AC Milan have the most goals from set-pieces (14), from corners (eight) and from a cross (eleven). Furthermore, the two sides are the most prolific in the league in the opening 15 minutes of play, with seven goals scored apiece.

WHERE TO WATCH AC MILAN ON TV
AC Milan v Fiorentina will be broadcast live in Italy on TIMVision and Milan TV at 14.30 CEST on Sunday 26 March. There will also be coverage at acmilan.com, through the Rossoneri's official social media channels and on the AC Milan Official App, where the full game can be watched the day after on demand.

LATEST ON WOMEN'S SERIE A
Eugenio Scarpa is the chosen referee for the game, and has already officiated a game involving the Rossonere this season: AC Milan 3-3 Como Women. Assisting the Piedmontese official are Ricciardi and Lazzaroni; fourth official is Gianquinto. 

Matchday 2 in this second phase of Women's Serie A sees leaders Roma have a rest week. Instead, on Saturday 25 March, Inter faced Juventus, ending 1-3 for the bianconere. 

Current standings in the Championship Round: Roma 51; Juventus* 46; Inter 35; AC Milan and Fiorentina 34. (* = played one game more)

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