Weekend preview

Champions League finalists Milan are sure to be the centre of attention on Sunday, as Carlo Ancelotti's side meet Fiorentina in a mouth watering match-up at the San Siro.

With the Viola heading into the weekend in sixth place, eight points behind Lazio in fourth, Cesare Prandelli's side cannot afford to lose to the Rossoneri if they are to continue their late surge towards a top four finish. A win for Milan, on the other hand, would virtually guarantee their place in next season's tournament, even though they can automatically qualify with victory over Liverpool in Athens on May 23.

Striker Ronaldo is a major doubt for the Diavoli after the Brazilian suffered a thigh injury in training on Friday, so Ancelotti is likely to plump for Alberto Gilardino, who came on as a substitute and scored against United on Wednesday, up front.

Milan captain Paolo Maldini is also set to miss out, as the 38-year-old has failed to shake off the knee injury which ruled him out of the glorious win over United.

For Fiorentina, serial goal getter Luca Toni, the subject of much transfer speculation this week, may have to settle for a place on the bench as he is carrying an injury. After the rumours linking him with Bayern Munich, the Italy international will be keen to prove his worth and he will be hoping to get on the pitch at some stage on Sunday to add to the 16 goals he has already scored this season.

Lazio goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi is set to play at home to Livorno despite saying he had quit football after last weekend's Derby della Capitale stalemate with Roma. The former Italy shotstopper will now play on at least until the end of the season.

Sampdoria, reeling from the news that forward Francesco Flachi is facing a two-year ban for failing a drugs test, are waiting on the fitness of centre-back Giulio Falcone for the visit of Reggina. The UEFA Cup contenders will reassess his injury on Saturday after he took a knock against Siena last weekend.

Messina's outside chances of survival may be aided by Internazionale's injury problems for their clash in Sicily. Hernan Crespo and Nicolas Burdisso have been back training and they may make the bench but the champions will again be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Walter Samuel, Julio Cruz and Maicon. Midfielder Dejan Stankovic is suspended.

Ascoli will be relegated if the lose at fellow strugglers Torino while third bottom Chievo host Parma and will be boosted by coach Gigi Del Neri committing himself to the club. "I will save Chievo and I will stay," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.