A thrilling clash awaits as high-flying Fiorentina host reigning champions Inter Milan at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday evening. Both teams enter the match in scintillating form, setting the stage for a potentially season-defining encounter.
Fiorentina have been the surprise package of the Serie A season, currently sitting in 4th place with an impressive 28 points from 13 matches. Under the astute guidance of Raffaele Palladino, the Viola have transformed into a formidable unit, demonstrating both tactical discipline and attacking flair. The Tuscan club is riding an extraordinary wave of success, having won their last seven league matches consecutively. This run has put them on the verge of equaling a club record of eight straight top-flight wins, set back in 1960. Fiorentina’s attacking prowess has been particularly noteworthy, with the team boasting the highest number of goals from set-pieces among Europe’s top five leagues this season.
Inter Milan, level on points with Fiorentina, are mounting a strong defense of their Serie A crown. The Nerazzurri have lost just once in 18 games across all competitions this season, showcasing their consistency and quality. Simone Inzaghi’s side has been particularly impressive in the Champions League, keeping five consecutive clean sheets and sitting second in their group. Their domestic form has been equally commanding, as evidenced by their recent 5-0 demolition of Hellas Verona, where they scored five first-half goals in an away Serie A match for only the second time in their history.
For Fiorentina, Moise Kean is on the verge of reaching double figures in league goals for just the second time in his career. Additionally, Albert Gudmundsson could make a return from injury, potentially boosting Fiorentina’s attack.
On the Inter side, Marcus Thuram has been in stellar form, already scoring multiple goals on four occasions this season. Lautaro Martinez, Inter’s talisman, has an excellent record against Fiorentina, netting seven times in his last five appearances against them.
Inter Milan have dominated recent meetings between the two sides, winning six of their last eight Serie A encounters against Fiorentina. The Nerazzurri have also won their last four visits to Florence, scoring 10 goals and conceding just four in the process. A fifth consecutive away win would set a new Serie A record against Fiorentina.
Team News
Fiorentina will likely rotate their squad following their midweek Conference League match. Moise Kean, Robin Gosens, and David de Gea are expected to return to the starting lineup. Yacine Adli could recover from a minor injury, while Amir Richardson remains unavailable.
Inter Milan have a relatively clean bill of health, with only Benjamin Pavard and reserve goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro ruled out. Francesco Acerbi and Davide Frattesi are hopeful of being passed fit for the crucial encounter.
Expected Starting XIs
Fiorentina: De Gea; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Adli, Cataldi, Bove; Colpani, Gudmundsson; Kean
Inter: Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Match Prediction
Despite Fiorentina’s impressive form, Inter Milan’s experience and quality may prove decisive. The Nerazzurri’s clinical edge and defensive solidity could see them emerge victorious in what promises to be a closely contested match.
Prediction: Fiorentina 0-2 Inter
