Fiorentina host AS Roma as matchday nine of the Serie A season reaches its conclusion, and with both sides looking to build on midweek victories in Europe, this fixture looks to be an interesting one. So, what can we expect from this clash?
Current form
The hosts come into this game on a good run of form and are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, winning their last four. La Viola have been ruthless in front of goal during this run and have scored 14 goals, 10 of which have come in their last two games. Raffaele Palladino’s side currently sit 9th in the league and are three points from a UEFA Conference League spot.
The visitors also come into this game off the back of a midweek win in Europe but have had a difficult season so far. Their last five league games have seen a steady run of results, with two wins, two draws, and just one defeat coming in their last game against reigning champions Inter Milan. Currently sat in 11th place, a win for Ivan Juric’s side would take them level on points with tonight’s opponents.
Team news
The hosts are without star striker Albert Gudmundsson as well as Rolando Mandragora and Marin Pongracic, who all miss out through injury. Fiorentina are expected to make several changes for this game after rotating heavily in midweek, with David De Gea and Moise Kean expected to return to the starting XI.
Roma, on the other hand, will be without Alexis Saelemaekers as he is sidelined with an ankle problem, and Stephan El Shaarawy is a doubt due to him still recovering from a calf issue, while Gianluca Mancini could return to the side after recovering from an illness.
Ones to watch
Roma will have to be wary of Fiorentina’s left-back, Robin Gosens. The German got himself on the scoresheet after coming off the bench against St Gallen in the Conference League midweek and has enjoyed a fine start to the season. The 30-year-old Union Berlin loanee has the most assists for Fiorentina this season, with two, and his attacking ability nicely compliments his solid defensive work. Additionally, Summer arrival Moise Kean could cause Roma’s backline problems. The 24-year-old striker averages over four shots per 90 and has scored two goals and recorded one assist this season and will likely prove a tough test for Roma’s defence.
For the Giallorossi, the quality of Paolo Dybala is clear to see, and if he is on form, he could prove to be the difference maker. Summer signing Artem Dovbyk is also a major threat and has enjoyed his time in the capital so far. The Ukranian is currently enjoying a fantastic run of form and has scored five goals in his last eight games.
Managers thoughts
Ahead of the game, Palladino was full of praise for the mentality of his side, saying…
“I’m really happy with the team’s spirit—we’ve never lacked the right attitude. I always preach that we’ve got to maintain our balance and stay humble because we don’t have much time to recover for Roma.”
Roma manager Ivan Juric spoke about his side’s struggles in front of goal, stating that his side needs to believe in themselves more.
“We’ve hit the woodwork multiple times. There have been a lot of clear chances, the other night too. We have the technique and the ability to execute. We need to believe in ourselves a bit more.”
Will Fiorentina’s fine run of form continue? Or will Roma begin to turn their fortunes around?