Stefano Pioli was “surprised” to receive a public backing from Fiorentina, but Federico Chiesa is expected to miss the Sassuolo game.

It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.

The Viola are without a win in six Serie A rounds and patron Andrea Della Valle came out to assure Pioli’s job was not in doubt.

Stefano Pioli was “surprised” to receive a public backing from Fiorentina, but Federico Chiesa is expected to miss the Sassuolo game.

It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.

The Viola are without a win in six Serie A rounds and patron Andrea Della Valle came out to assure Pioli’s job was not in doubt.

“The fact the owners arrived at the training ground yesterday was a surprise to me. It was positive too, because he confirmed his faith and support for what we’ve been doing since last season,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“This is a young squad and it can go through some difficult moments, but knowing the club has faith in us can help us to get back on track.

“I ask my players to put more of an effort in and I ask the same of myself. We want to start winning games again and I’ve got to put players in the position to give their best.”

Bryan Dabo is out with a bruised hip and Vitor Hugo is suspended, but Pioli revealed he could be forced into a big change.

“Chiesa had a problem in the warm-up, I don’t know if he’ll make it for tomorrow. Every now and then he has these groin issues. He’s making the trip with us, but we’ll see his condition tomorrow.

“It’s a game where we require a lot of strength and determination. We’ve put in the performances lately, but didn’t finish off our chances or kill off games when we were in front. Because of that, we’re missing three or four points, at least.

“We had a lot of games between ranks this week and I saw the strikers scored a lot of goals, so I hope that’s a good sign. A positive result would take some of the weight off our shoulders and allow us to play with less anxiety.”

Sassuolo aren’t going through their best period of form either, but Pioli eyes up their danger areas.

“They have changed since the start of the season and now make far more vertical passes than they used to. Sassuolo have some very fast wingers and can cause us problems there.”

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