thehardtackle 
16-05-2024 20:58
16-05-2024 20:58
Fiorentina vs Napoli: Preview and Prediction
Team News & Tactics
Fiorentina
Fiorentina do not have any fresh problems after their victory over AC Monza. They will miss Riccardo Sottil, who will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing an operation to treat a collarbone fracture suffered during the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final.
Despite the attacker’s absence, Vincenzo Italiano might not make any unnecessary alterations to the side that beat Monza, meaning the Fiorentina boss might start an unchanged lineup against Napoli at home.
That means that neither Jonathan Ikone nor Andrea Belotti might find a place in the starting team, despite Italiano suggesting both will be involved in some capacity. M’Bala Nzola will lead the line for Fiorentina with the support of Nicolas Gonzalez and Gaetano Castrovilli in support from the wide areas.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Kayode, Martinez, Milenkovic, Parisi; Mandragora, Arthur; Gonzalez, Barak, Castrovilli; Nzola
Napoli
There are a few injury-related doubts for Napoli ahead of this visit to Florence. Chief among those is the possible absence of star striker Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian did play the full 90 minutes against Bologna but has been complaining about a knee issue that has plagued him for most parts this season.
There are chances Napoli may not take the risk of aggravating that problem by playing him against Fiorentina, and the chances of him missing out completely are high. Should the Nigerian not play, Giovanni Simeone could feel he should get the chance to take his place. But Giacomo Raspadori might get the nod ahead of the Argentine.
There are further absentees: Piotr Zielinski, who might have already played his last game for the club, and Jesper Lindstrom, who will also miss out despite resuming individual training this week. In any case, the latter only has about two starts to his name in the league this season, and had he turned up fit, the chances of a bench role were quite high.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Olivera; Cajuste, Lobotka, Anguissa; Politano, Raspadori, Kvaratskhelia
Key Stats
Fiorentina have scored and conceded in each of their last seven home games in Serie A.
Fiorentina last kept a clean sheet at home in December 2023 in Serie A.
Napoli are winless in their last five league games.
Napoli have collected only three points from their last five league games.
Player to Watch
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Embed from Getty Images
The Georgian will reflect on his sub-par season before the summer and will have some questions regarding his performances and that of the team. He will surely take the criticism of a dramatic fall from grace for Napoli, especially after the highs of last season.
However, there is still a minor chance at redemption, with Napoli still in with an opportunity to finish in the last European places. A good performance against Fiorentina might set him up for an excellent end to the campaign, with Kvaratskhelia wanting to perform at his very best.
Prediction
Fiorentina 2-1 Napoli
Fiorentina will have plenty of motivation to win against the dethroned champions, although they will have to work hard to get all three points, considering Napoli will still come into this clash with some hope.
The key factor is the form both teams are in. Napoli certainly will hope they do not extend their winless run any further. However, Fiorentina are in good form and motivated to get three points, which they are predicted to do against Napoli.
Tags: fiorentinaKviNapoli
Fiorentina
Fiorentina do not have any fresh problems after their victory over AC Monza. They will miss Riccardo Sottil, who will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing an operation to treat a collarbone fracture suffered during the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final.
Despite the attacker’s absence, Vincenzo Italiano might not make any unnecessary alterations to the side that beat Monza, meaning the Fiorentina boss might start an unchanged lineup against Napoli at home.
That means that neither Jonathan Ikone nor Andrea Belotti might find a place in the starting team, despite Italiano suggesting both will be involved in some capacity. M’Bala Nzola will lead the line for Fiorentina with the support of Nicolas Gonzalez and Gaetano Castrovilli in support from the wide areas.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Kayode, Martinez, Milenkovic, Parisi; Mandragora, Arthur; Gonzalez, Barak, Castrovilli; Nzola
Napoli
There are a few injury-related doubts for Napoli ahead of this visit to Florence. Chief among those is the possible absence of star striker Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian did play the full 90 minutes against Bologna but has been complaining about a knee issue that has plagued him for most parts this season.
There are chances Napoli may not take the risk of aggravating that problem by playing him against Fiorentina, and the chances of him missing out completely are high. Should the Nigerian not play, Giovanni Simeone could feel he should get the chance to take his place. But Giacomo Raspadori might get the nod ahead of the Argentine.
There are further absentees: Piotr Zielinski, who might have already played his last game for the club, and Jesper Lindstrom, who will also miss out despite resuming individual training this week. In any case, the latter only has about two starts to his name in the league this season, and had he turned up fit, the chances of a bench role were quite high.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Olivera; Cajuste, Lobotka, Anguissa; Politano, Raspadori, Kvaratskhelia
Key Stats
Fiorentina have scored and conceded in each of their last seven home games in Serie A.
Fiorentina last kept a clean sheet at home in December 2023 in Serie A.
Napoli are winless in their last five league games.
Napoli have collected only three points from their last five league games.
Player to Watch
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Embed from Getty Images
The Georgian will reflect on his sub-par season before the summer and will have some questions regarding his performances and that of the team. He will surely take the criticism of a dramatic fall from grace for Napoli, especially after the highs of last season.
However, there is still a minor chance at redemption, with Napoli still in with an opportunity to finish in the last European places. A good performance against Fiorentina might set him up for an excellent end to the campaign, with Kvaratskhelia wanting to perform at his very best.
Prediction
Fiorentina 2-1 Napoli
Fiorentina will have plenty of motivation to win against the dethroned champions, although they will have to work hard to get all three points, considering Napoli will still come into this clash with some hope.
The key factor is the form both teams are in. Napoli certainly will hope they do not extend their winless run any further. However, Fiorentina are in good form and motivated to get three points, which they are predicted to do against Napoli.
Tags: fiorentinaKviNapoli