Two of Serie A’s top European contenders will face off on Sunday evening as Fiorentina host Roma at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Both sides enter the match in good form after midweek victories in European competition, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in Florence.
Fiorentina have hit their stride in recent weeks, winning four consecutive matches across all competitions. The Viola demolished Lecce 6-0 in their last Serie A outing before dispatching St. Gallen 4-2 in the Europa Conference League. Manager Raffaele Palladino has his side firing on all cylinders, with 14 goals scored in their last four matches.
Roma, meanwhile, secured a much-needed 1-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League this week. It was a welcome result for new coach Ivan Juric, who had come under pressure after a slow start in Serie A. The Giallorossi currently sit 10th in the table with just 10 points from their first eight matches— their lowest tally at this stage since 2010.
Recent history favors Roma in this fixture, with Fiorentina winning just two of their last 12 Serie A meetings. However, both of last season’s encounters ended in draws. The Viola have struggled at home against Roma, taking just one point from their last three matches at the Franchi. Roma’s last clean sheet in Florence came back in 2014.
The clash between Fiorentina’s in-form attack and Roma’s experienced backline could prove decisive. Summer signings Danilo Cataldi and Andrea Colpani have been in prolific form for the Viola, both netting braces last weekend. They’ll look to test a Roma defense that has conceded in seven of eight league matches this season.
Team News
Fiorentina are expected to rotate their squad after Thursday’s European exertions. Moise Kean, Dodo, and David de Gea could all return to the starting lineup, while Robin Gosens may replace captain Cristiano Biraghi at left-back. The hosts remain without injured trio Albert Gudmundsson, Rolando Mandragora, and Marin Pongracic.
For Roma, Alexis Saelemaekers and Stephan El Shaarawy are sidelined, but Gianluca Mancini may return after illness. Paulo Dybala and Matias Soule are pushing for starts in attack alongside top scorer Artem Dovbyk. Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini should bolster the midfield after being rested in midweek.
Expected Starting XIs
Fiorentina: De Gea; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Adli, Cataldi, Bove; Colpani, Kouame; Kean
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Celik, Cristante, Kone, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Dybala; Dovbyk
Match Prediction
Fiorentina’s home advantage and recent goalscoring exploits make them slight favorites, but Roma have shown a knack for late goals this season. The Giallorossi have scored 63% of their goals after the 60-minute mark. A closely-fought 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome, with Roma potentially snatching a late equalizer to deny Fiorentina a third straight Serie A win.
Prediction: Fiorentina 1-1 Roma
