The Stadio Artemio Franchi is set to host an exciting Serie A encounter on Monday evening as fourth-placed Fiorentina welcome ninth-placed Udinese. The match presents an opportunity for both sides to end the year on a high note, albeit with contrasting recent fortunes.
Fiorentina enter this fixture boasting an impressive 19-game unbeaten run at home, a streak dating back to March. This represents their best run in 16 years, with 13 wins during this period. The Viola have been particularly potent at the Franchi this season, netting 32 goals across all competitions – more than any other Serie A side on home soil.
However, Raffaele Palladino’s men will be eager to bounce back after their club record-equalling run of eight consecutive Serie A victories was halted last week by Bologna. Despite this setback, Fiorentina remain well-positioned in the league, sitting above traditional powerhouses AC Milan and Juventus.
Udinese, under the guidance of Kosta Runjaic, started the season promisingly but has since experienced a significant dip in form. After a strong start that saw them secure three wins and a draw in their first four Serie A matches, the Friulani have struggled, losing eight of their last 12 league encounters.
The visitors’ recent form has been particularly concerning, with just one win in their last seven league games. Their midweek exit from the Coppa Italia, courtesy of a 2-0 defeat to Inter Milan, has further dampened spirits in the Udinese camp.
For Fiorentina, all eyes will be on Moise Kean, who is on the verge of reaching double figures in Serie A for the first time. The Italian striker needs just one more goal to achieve this milestone, which would make him the first Italian to score at least 10 league goals for the Viola since Federico Chiesa five years ago.
Udinese will look to their top scorer Lorenzo Lucca to provide the attacking threat, potentially supported by the experienced Florian Thauvin. The recent return of Alexis Sanchez adds another dimension to their attack, though his involvement may be limited due to fitness concerns.
Team News
Fiorentina is expected to make several changes from their midweek Conference League fixture. David de Gea is set to return in goal, while Michael Kayode will likely replace the suspended Dodo in defense.
Udinese faces several injury concerns, with Sandi Lovric, Oier Zarraga, Martin Payero, Keinan Davis, and first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye all sidelined.
Expected Starting XIs
Fiorentina: De Gea; Kayode, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Adli, Cataldi; Colpani, Gudmundsson, Sottil; Kean
Udinese: Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Giannetti; Ehizibue, Atta, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp, Zemura; Thauvin, Lucca
Match Prediction
Given Fiorentina’s formidable home record and Udinese’s recent struggles, the hosts enter the match as favorites. However, Udinese’s ability to score on the road cannot be discounted, averaging over one goal per game away from home this season.
Fiorentina’s defensive solidity, particularly in the second half where they’ve conceded just two goals all season – the fewest across Europe’s top five leagues – could prove decisive. While Udinese may find the net, Fiorentina’s home advantage and superior form should see them through to victory.
Prediction: Fiorentina 3-1 Udinese
