Fiorentina vs. Juventus: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

One of the marquee games of the Serie A calendar takes place this weekend when hated rivals Fiorentina and Juventus lock horns. The men from Florence would love nothing more than to dent the form and pride of Massimo Allegri's table toppers.

However, that's no easy task considering the form the Old Lady is currently in. Juve lead the way in Italy's top flight after winning 11 of their first 13 games.

By contrast, Fiorentina find themselves in eighth place after just five wins, four draws and a quartet of defeats, per Sky Sports. The visit of an arch enemy could be just what La Viola needs to stir itself into action.

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Before a more in-depth preview, here's the schedule and viewing information:

Date: Friday, Dec. 5, 2014

Time: 7:45 p.m. (GMT) / 2:45 p.m. (US)

TV: ESPN UK / beIN Sports (US)

Live Stream: ESPN Player. beIN Sports Connect (US).

Preview

Just as they have been in recent seasons, this vintage of Juventus is defined by its strength and class in midfield. Allegri has an embarrassment of riches in the middle in the form of Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and veteran pass-master Andrea Pirlo.

Allegri has named every member of this brilliant quartet in his 20-man matchday squad, per Football-Italia.net. Allegri rarely picks all four together, but certainly has room for them in his current 4-3-2-1 tactical structure.

That Christmas tree-style shape is definitely bringing out the best in forwards Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata. The former has been particularly devastating in a more withdrawn role.

Tevez has scored nine goals and provided five assists in league action, per WhoScored.com. Meanwhile, Morata has found the net four times since arriving from Real Madrid this summer, according to ESPN FC.

The men from Florence no doubt wish they boasted a strikeforce as potent. Injuries to Mario Gomez and Giuseppe Rossi have stymied the scoring potential of Vincenzo Montella's team this term. The pace, power and trickery of winger Juan Cuadrado hasn't been enough to compensate.

Montella will no doubt hope the atmosphere at the Stadio Artemio Franchi will be enough to carry his team through. Ex-Juve and Fiorentina player Angelo Di Livio described how the atmosphere is ratcheted up a notch whenever Juve visit, per Italian publication La Reppublica (h/t Goal.com writer Harry West):

"

In Florence there's a particular atmosphere ahead of this one, you can feel it in the air for two weeks prior.

In Florence it's a game that means more than a derby. The fans care very much, and the expectation is different than other games.

"

The intensity of this rivalry can't be understated. But it will take more than just a vociferous crowd to slow down the Juventus machine.

Predicted Final Score: Fiorentina 1-3 Juventus

This season's Juve squad just has too much firepower. Tevez, Morata, Pogba and company will create enough chances to engineer a comfortable win in enemy territory.