Juventus man Claudio Marchisio praised Fiorentina’s David Pizarro as “the best after Andrea Pirlo” in midfield.

The two sides go head-to-head on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“It is going to be a very difficult game,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We saw it last season, as the trip to Florence was probably the only one where we were unable to impose our style on the opposition.

“We are going to encounter a fiery atmosphere, as their Coach Vincenzo Montella has put his stamp on the team and they have so much quality in midfield.

“They have Pizarro, who after Pirlo is perhaps the best in that role. He creates the Fiorentina play and has great quality, so if we are able to block him then we’ll cause them a few problems.”

There is a bitter rivalry between the two clubs and their fans, which has sometimes spilled out on to transfer dealings.

“Who is this game more important for? Both sides need to drop as few points as possible in this phase of the tournament, so we can keep up with the leaders.”

Roma and second-place Napoli face off this evening, so it is an opportunity for Juventus to take advantage.