Two Serie A titans, Fiorentina and Inter Milan, clash at the Stadio Artemio Franchi this Sunday, both riding high on momentum from midweek European triumphs.
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With each side level on points in a gripping Scudetto race, this match promises to be a pivotal encounter.
Match Preview
Fiorentina have undergone a remarkable transformation this season, becoming one of the most consistent and dangerous teams in Serie A.
With seven consecutive league wins, the Viola have established themselves as serious contenders for a top-four finish and possibly more.
Before the international break, Fiorentina wrapped up six straight victories in Serie A.
They resumed domestic play with a 2-0 win over Como last weekend, with Moise Kean once again showcasing his scoring prowess.
Midweek, the Viola continued their impressive run with a narrow 3-2 victory over Pafos in the UEFA Conference League, securing a spot in the tournament’s knockout rounds.
The team’s newfound attacking decisiveness, spearheaded by Kean and bolstered by a record number of set-piece goals, has been key to their success.
However, Fiorentina’s historical struggles against Inter Milan present a significant hurdle.
The Viola have lost six of their last eight Serie A meetings with Inter and have not won at home against them since 2017.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, have been just as impressive, if not more so. The reigning champions are unbeaten since September and have excelled both domestically and in Europe.
A flawless defensive record in the Champions League and a dominant 5-0 league win over Hellas Verona last weekend highlight their form.
Simone Inzaghi’s side boasts an explosive attack, led by Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, who have combined for numerous goals this season.
With 18 of their Serie A goals scored in the first half of matches, Inter will look to strike early and capitalize on any slow start from Fiorentina.
Team News
Fiorentina
Raffaele Palladino is likely to rotate his lineup again after fielding a heavily altered side in the Conference League.
Moise Kean, Robin Gosens, and David de Gea are expected to return to the starting XI.
Yacine Adli could recover from a minor injury to make the squad, while Albert Gudmundsson may feature after weeks on the sidelines.
However, Amir Richardson remains unavailable. Kean, in stellar form, needs just one more goal to reach double digits in Serie A this season.
Predicted Lineup:
De Gea; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Adli, Cataldi, Bove; Colpani, Gudmundsson; Kean
Inter Milan
Inter have minimal injury concerns, with only Benjamin Pavard and reserve goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro unavailable.
Francesco Acerbi and Davide Frattesi face late fitness tests and could be included in the squad.
Mehdi Taremi may make way for Marcus Thuram to partner Lautaro Martinez up front.
Martinez has a stellar record against Fiorentina, scoring seven goals in his last five matches against them.
Predicted Lineup:
Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Key Matchup
The clash between Fiorentina’s resurgent offense and Inter’s impenetrable defense will be the centerpiece of this contest.
While Moise Kean looks to continue his scoring spree, Inter’s disciplined backline and quick transitions led by Barella and Martinez could prove decisive.
Prediction
Despite Fiorentina’s superb form, Inter’s experience and clinical edge in high-stakes matches may give them the advantage.
Expect a closely fought contest with the Nerazzurri edging it to keep pace in the Scudetto race.
Prediction: Fiorentina 1–2 Inter Milan
