Prediction: Fiorentina vs Roma

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make up some ground in the top-four chase, Roma will travel to Tuscany on Sunday night when they meet Fiorentina.

Fiorentina

Starting with the hosts, mounting a stunning Europa Conference League comeback away at Maccabi Haifa, Fiorentina will be desperate to use that dramatic late flurry as a platform to build on. Eventually securing an action-packed 4-3 victory on foreign soil, the Lilies know the importance of claiming some crucial domestic stability. Tumbling away from the Champions League chase since opening the New Year, Vincenzo Italiano’s men have recorded just a pair of victories from any of their previous nine domestic appearances across all competitions. However, last seen at the Stadio Artemio Franchi picking up a 2-1 win against Italian giants Lazio, Fiorentina have remarkably won nine of their previous 11 showdowns in Tuscany – a run that stems all the way back to November 5th. Dreaming of the chance to book another European finish in 2024, Italiano’s side know the importance of picking up a heavyweight scalp here.

Team News

Missing out in Europa Conference League action earlier in the week, Fiorentina will once again be unable to call upon Argentinian defender Lucas Martinez Quarta on Sunday night. Likewise, not making a single appearance since opening the New Year, Ivory Coast international Christian Kouame is not expected to feature here.

Making a loan switch from Roma during January’s transfer window, Andrea Belotti will be hoping for a full recall against his parent club. However, getting on the scoresheet against Maccabi Haifa in midweek, former River Plate starlet Lucas Beltran should spearhead Fiorentina’s attack in Tuscany.

Roma

As for the visitors, while Roma might have parted ways with Jose Mourinho back in January, the Wolves are enjoying a remarkable start to life under Daniele De Rossi. With the mood around Rome at a red-hot high, the former SPAL boss will be calling on his squad to make another statement here. Putting in a stunning performance earlier in the week as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp against Premier League outfit Brighton, Sunday’s guests have now won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Last seen in top-flight action claiming a 4-1 victory away at Monza, Roma have certainly gained a string of plaudits for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Notching 15 goals on their five-match winning run, it is no secret that De Rossi’s camp have their sights set on securing a lucrative Champions League return in 2024.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Roma will once again be without England international Tammy Abraham here. However, aside from the ex-Chelsea striker, De Rossi’s men have reported a clean bill of health.

Once again finding the net against Brighton in midweek and now bagging eight goals in as many appearances across all competitions, the red-hot Paulo Dybala will have a leading role to play in Tuscany. Continuing to shine since completing a season-long loan switch from Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku will partner Dybala in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Fiorentina and Roma met for their reverse Serie A meeting on December 10th, Sunday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at the Stadio Olimpico.
• The Lilies have recorded just a pair of victories from their previous nine domestic appearances across all competitions.
• However, Fiorentina have won nine of their previous 11 showdowns at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
• Roma have bagged 15 goals in on their five-match winning run across all competitions.
• Argentina international Paulo Dybala has found the net in all of his previous eight appearances across all formats.

Conclusion

Storming their way to a remarkable 4-0 romp against Brighton earlier in the week, Roma will be desperate to make another high-profile statement here. Winning all of their previous five showdowns across all competitions and really finding a clinical edge in the final third, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair from the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday night. It should be highlighted, with all of the last 15 straight meetings between Fiorentina and Roma seeing over 1.5 goals by the final whistle, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster