Fiorentina will look to build on their recent resurgence when they host a rejuvenated Genoa side at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday afternoon. The match marks a pivotal moment for both teams as they pursue their respective goals in Serie A.
Fiorentina enter the contest on the back of a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Lazio last weekend, their first win of 2025. This result, coupled with a draw against Torino the previous week, has arrested a concerning slide down the Serie A table. Despite winning only one of their last seven league games, the Viola’s tally of 36 points is their best at this stage of a season since 2016.
Genoa, under the guidance of Patrick Vieira, have been one of the form teams in recent weeks. The former Crystal Palace manager has lost just two of his first ten league games since taking charge, guiding the Grifone to four wins and significantly improving their defensive record. Last week’s 2-0 victory over bottom-placed Monza has given Genoa a six-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Fiorentina boast an impressive unbeaten run of 25 home games against Genoa in Serie A. However, they have won just one of the last seven encounters between the two sides at the Franchi. The reverse fixture in October saw Fiorentina edge a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Ferraris.
The match could hinge on whether Fiorentina’s varied attacking options can breach Genoa’s newly resolute defense. Under Vieira, the Grifone have kept six clean sheets in their last nine Serie A matches, matching their tally from the previous 28 games.
Team News
Fiorentina will be without midfielder Yacine Adli, who was sent off in the victory over Lazio. Coach Raffaele Palladino, also dismissed in that match, will serve a touchline ban. New signing Pablo Mari is available but unlikely to start, while Andrea Colpani and Danilo Cataldi could return from injury.
Genoa’s attack will be spearheaded by Andrea Pinamonti, despite his recent goal drought. The striker has struggled at the Franchi, failing to score in six appearances at the venue. Patrick Vieira has several new signings at his disposal, including Jean Onana, Mikael Egill Ellertsson, and Sebastian Otoa.
The visitors have been boosted by the return of Junior Messias and captain Milan Badelj to the bench, though Ruslan Malinovskyi and Mattia Bani remain sidelined. Mario Balotelli is expected to leave the club due to a falling out with Vieira.
Expected Starting XIs
Fiorentina: De Gea; Dodo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Richardson, Mandragora; Folorunsho, Gudmundsson, Sottil; Kean
Genoa: Leali; Sabelli, De Winter, Vasquez, Martin; Frendrup, Badelj; Zanoli, Thorsby, Miretti; Pinamonti
Match Prediction
Given Fiorentina’s strong home record against Genoa and their recent upturn in form, coupled with Genoa’s improved performances under Vieira, a tight contest is expected. Fiorentina’s attacking prowess may just give them the edge, with a 2-0 victory for the hosts the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Fiorentina 2-0 Genoa
