Thursday, March 28, 2024

Prediction: Fiorentina vs Napoli

Tom Dunstan in Free Soccer Predictions, Serie A 2 Oct 2021

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Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways this weekend, Napoli will make the trip to the Stadio Artemio Franchi when they face off against Fiorentina on Sunday evening.

Fiorentina

Starting with the hosts, while Fiorentina might have found themselves having to settle for another downbeat campaign last season, the Purples have really come flying out the traps this time around. Appearing to have made a string of improvements over the summer, Viola are enjoying their brightest start to a Serie A campaign in recent memory. With some in their camp believing that they can mount a serious charge for European football this season, the arrival of new boss Vincenzo Italiano has certainly given Fiorentina a real boost. While the Florence-based outfit might have been left disappointed to have been hit with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of defending champions Inter Milan on September 19th, Sunday’s hosts managed to make an immediate return to winning ways. Last seen picking up what was a deserved 1-0 victory away at Udinese, Italiano’s side have collected 12 points from their last five Serie A contests. With attacking talisman Dusan Vlahovic already racking up four top-flight goals this season, the Purples could be smelling the chance to cause an upset.

Team News

Still dealing with injury issues, it looks like the pair of Lorenzo Venuti and Gaetano Castrovilli will once again be missing for Fiorentina this weekend.

However, in what is a boost for Sunday’s hosts, summer arrival Nicolas Gonzalez is available for selection after serving a suspension.

Napoli

As for the visitors, eventually falling to what was an action-packed 3-2 defeat at the hands of Spartak Moscow on home soil in midweek, there is no doubt that Napoli will be seeking an immediate boost here. Hoping to prove that their Europa League loss on Thursday was just a minor blip, the mood in their camp should still be at a real high. Only continuing to gain a host of plaudits from across Italy since opening the 2021/22 campaign, Luciano Spalletti’s side are in the midst of a stellar domestic purple patch. Opening up this weekend’s fixtures sat at the top of the Serie A standings, the former Inter Milan boss also finds his side still holding onto a 100% start. Last seen on domestic action landing a deserved 2-0 victory against Cagliari at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the Blues will also be boosted by their recent record against Sunday’s opponents. Including a 2-0 win when they last made the trip to Fiorentina, they have taken nine points from their last four meetings against Viola.

Team News

Once again missing out on Europa League duties in midweek, the duo of Stanislav Lobotka and Faouzi Ghoulam will once again be missing on Sunday.

However, the likes of Diego Demme, Dries Mertens, and Alex Meret have been given the green light to make their return on Sunday.

Key Factors to Consider

    • When the two sides last faced off back in May, Napoli picked up a 2-0 victory on the road.
    • Likewise, the Blues have also taken nine points from their last four meetings against Viola.
    • However, Sunday’s hosts have collected 12 points from their last five Serie A matchups.
    • Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic has already recorded four Serie A goals so far this season.
    • Napoli have won all six of their Serie A matchups since opening the 2021/22 campaign.

    Conclusion

    After coming off the back of that thrilling 3-2 defeat on European duties in midweek, Napoli should be glad to turn their attention back to Serie A action on Sunday. However, while the Blues might be holding a stunning 100% start since opening the 2021/22 campaign, Luciano Spalletti’s high-flying squad could face a stern test on the road. Despite holding an eye-catching record against Fiorentina, this weekend’s hosts are enjoying their own domestic purple patch. Managing to make an immediate return to winning ways against Udinese on their travels last time out, Viola have a European finish at the top of their agenda. In a contest that could see chances at both ends of the pitch, we’re backing both teams to find the net on Sunday.

    Verdict: Both teams to score

    Best Odds: 7/10

    Bookmaker: Unibet

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Tom Dunstan


    Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
    Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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