Fiorentina will be aiming to secure their first Serie A victory of the season when they host Lazio at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday afternoon. The Viola have struggled to find form in the early stages of the campaign, while Lazio look to build on their solid start under new manager Marco Baroni.
Fiorentina enter this match winless in their opening four Serie A fixtures, marking their worst start to a league campaign since 2019. Raffaele Palladino’s side have drawn three and lost one so far, most recently falling to a 3-2 defeat against Atalanta last weekend. The Viola currently sit 14th in the table with just 3 points.
In contrast, Lazio have made a promising start under Baroni, collecting 7 points from their first four matches. The Biancocelesti secured an impressive 2-1 victory over Hellas Verona on Monday night, with goals from Boulaye Dia and Taty Castellanos. Lazio have lost just one of their last 11 Serie A games dating back to last season.
Fiorentina have shown signs of improvement against Lazio recently, picking up 4 points from their last 3 meetings. This includes a 2-1 victory at the Franchi in February. However, Lazio still hold the overall edge, having lost just 2 of their last 14 Serie A encounters with the Viola.
Team News
Icelandic striker Albert Gudmundsson could make his first appearance in the matchday squad for Fiorentina after recovering from a calf injury. David de Gea is expected to retain his place in goal after making his Serie A debut last weekend.
Taty Castellanos is a doubt for Lazio after picking up a muscular injury against Verona. If unavailable, Boulaye Dia is likely to lead the line. Captain Mattia Zaccagni should start, with one of Gustav Isaksen, Tijjani Noslin or Loum Tchaouna supporting in attack.
Expected Starting XIs
Fiorentina: De Gea; Martinez Quarta, Pongracic, Biraghi; Dodo, Cataldi, Mandragora, Gosens; Sottil, Colpani; Kean
Lazio: Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Dele-Bashiru, Rovella, Guendouzi; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni
Match Prediction
Given Fiorentina’s struggles and Lazio’s solid form, this match could be closely contested. The Viola will be desperate to secure their first win, but Lazio’s attacking prowess may prove too much. Both teams have shown the ability to score and concede, so goals seem likely.
Prediction: Fiorentina 2-2 Lazio
