The Daily Star Ireland
After finishing as runners-up in last season’s Conference League, Fiorentina is aiming to make progress in Serie A this year. The team has exceeded expectations so far, currently sitting in 4th place just one point behind the league leader. Despite a slow start, they have hit their stride, winning seven consecutive matches. Their recent victories include impressive results against AC Milan (2-1), Lecce (6-0), Roma (5-1), Genoa (1-0), Torino (1-0), Hellas Verona (3-1), and Como (2-0) last weekend.
Inter Milan, the reigning Italian champions, are naturally considered the favorites to retain their title. They are currently in 3rd place in Serie A, level on points with Fiorentina. Inter’s only defeat of the season came against AC Milan at home in September (1-2). Since then, they have been unbeaten in their last 8 matches, with 6 wins and 2 draws, including a 1-1 draw with Napoli just before the international break and a dominant 5-0 win over Hellas Verona last weekend. Inter continued their strong form in midweek, beating Leipzig 1-0 in the Champions League, marking 12 matches without a loss across all competitions (10 wins and 2 draws).
For Fiorentina, midfielder Richardson is still sidelined with an injury, and left-back Biraghi is doubtful. However, Icelandic striker Gudmundsson, who has been absent for a few weeks, is fit again and could start, potentially joining the influential Kean, who has scored 9 goals this season. Adli, the former Bordeaux player, has quickly adapted to life at Fiorentina, contributing 2 goals and 3 assists. Full-backs Dodo and Gosens are available, along with Spanish goalkeeper De Gea, who is regaining form after a year without playing.
On the Inter side, experienced defender Acerbi is still recovering from injury, and French international Pavard joined him in the treatment room after a Champions League knock. Midfielder Frattesi is also uncertain for the match. Marcus Thuram, who scored twice in the last match, has been in exceptional form, with 9 goals and 3 assists so far. He is expected to start alongside captain Lautaro Martinez (5 goals, 2 assists).
Prediction
While Fiorentina is known for its attacking football, statistics show that 18 of their last 20 Serie A games have seen three goals or fewer, a trend shared by Inter in 19 of their last 20 Serie A matches. Given these patterns, it is expected that this game will be closely contested.
Prediction: Fiorentina 1-1 Inter.
