Fiorentina vs Roma: Preview and Prediction

Fiorentina vs Roma
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 18 September 2016
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio Artemio Franchi (Florence).

After experiencing disappointments in their respective Europa League ties, both Fiorentina and Roma will be hoping to rebound as they clash in an interesting Serie A tie this Sunday.

The Viola failed to find the back of the net in their travels to take on Greek outfit PAOK and had to settle for a draw. However, with the other two sides in their quartet also failing to win, everyone sits on one point each, meaning that there will be plenty to play for on matchday two. As for the Giallorossi, they also ended up drawing on the road – this time to Czech side Viktoria Plzen – and now will be looking to make it two wins in two Serie A fixtures this weekend.

Roma were quite fortunate against Sampdoria, as they went from 2-1 to winning the match 3-2. That match at the Stadio Olimpico was halted in order to deal with a sudden downpour, and Francesco Totti again proved to be the deciding factor with a late effort to snatch all three points. Luciano Spalletti, however, will likely field the ageing forward as an impact sub for this game, especially with the player’s 40th birthday approaching in less than two weeks’ time.

Since cruising to a 4-0 win over Udinese on matchday one, Roma have been solid, but not spectacular. They had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Cagliari and will be hoping to finally pick up what would be their first away win of the new season.

As for Fiorentina, the Viola had their last match against Genoa abruptly ended prematurely. Like Roma, their game was also interrupted by bad weather, but unlike the Giallorossi, the Tuscan side’s tie was unable to continue – in their case due to hail. Prior to that tie, Fiorentina had lost their season opener to Juventus, but had rebounded with a narrow 1-0 win against Chievo.

Fiorentina vs Roma: Head-to-head statistics

• Roma have won seven out of their last eight Serie A meetings with Fiorentina (and drew the other one).
• The Viola have not beaten the Giallorossi since April 2012.
• Roma have scored at least two goals in their last nine away fixtures.
• Fiorentina have only lost one out of their last 10 home games

Fiorentina vs Roma: Prediction

Although both teams will be keen on picking up a win, each manager may opt to rotate his squad somewhat. This month is a very busy time for the Viola and the Lupi, who are also involved in the Europa League and keeping key players injury free naturally are the concern of any coach. Nonetheless, Roma come into this game having enjoyed the massive historical advantage and beat the Viola both home and away last season. And then there’s that 20 match unbeaten Serie A run stemming all the way back to January 24th, when Juventus defeated them 1-0. Roma should have enough to see off Fiorentina, but not to keep a clean sheet.