Prediction: Fiorentina vs AC Milan

Verdict: AC Milan draw no bet

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Simply looking to shore up their spot in the Champions League chase, AC Milan will travel to the Stadio Artemio Franchi when they meet Fiorentina on Saturday night.

Fiorentina

Starting with the hosts, although Fiorentina might have extended on their Europa Conference League adventure earlier in the month thanks to a stunning 5-4 aggregate victory against Maccabi Haifa, the Viola are seeking some recent stability. Facing a real uphill battle in their bid to clinch another European finish this season, Vincenzo Italiano’s men have recorded just a trio of victories from any of their previous 12 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to January 9th. Likewise, the Tuscany-based outfit have also shown some rather worrying defensive issues. Including a 2-0 loss against Bologna last month, Fiorentina have collected just a single clean sheet from any of their last 12 outings. Losing five of their previous seven domestic showdowns against AC Milan, the Viola will be more than aware that they face a stern examination.

Team News

Dealing with yet another knee injury prior to March’s international break, Fiorentina will once again be unable to call upon Danish goalkeeper Oliver Christensen here. Contracting malaria when returning from the Africa Cup of Nations last month, it remains to be seen if Ivory Coast international Christian Kouame will return for the Viola’s squad this weekend.

Forced to serve a one-match suspension against Maccabi Haifa on March 14th, Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic should make a return return on Saturday night. Despite notching just a single goal since completing a January switch from Roma, Andrea Belotti should spearhead Fiorentina’s charge here.

AC Milan

As for the visitors, while AC Milan might have already accepted that they will be unable to collect a 20th Serie A crown this season, the Italian heavyweights are enjoying an extended flurry. Last seen heading into March’s international break with a thumping 3-1 victory away at Verona, the Rossoneri have won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Extending on their Europa League adventure earlier in the month and punching their queer-final ticket thanks to a 7-3 aggregate victory against Slavia Prague, Stefano Pioli’s men are sat firmly in the driving seat to punch another top-four finish. Looking to mark their return from the fortnight interval with another statement, Saturday’s guests will also be excited by their most recent showdowns against the Viola. Landing a 1-0 victory when they welcomed Fiorentina to the San Siro for their reverse Serie A contest back on November 25th, Pioli will be calling on a repeat performance here.

Team News

Dealing with a long-term muscle injury prior to March’s international break and not making a single appearance across any competition since the middle of December, AC Milan are once again expected to be without 24-year-old midfielder Tommaso Pobega here. Suffering a knock while away with Denmark last week, Pioli is sweating over the fitness of Simon Kjaer on Saturday night.

Although it might have been reported this week that Olivier Giroud will be heading for the MLS this summer, the French record-breaker should spearhead Milan’s charge in Tuscany. Despite notching just four Serie A strikes in his 25 appearances this season, Rafael Leao will once again partner Giroud in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Fiorentina and AC Milan met for their reverse Serie A showdown on November 25th, the Rossoneri picked up a 1-0 victory at the San Siro.
• AC Milan have won five of their previous seven meetings against the Viola.
• Fiorentina have recorded just a trio of victories from any of their previous 12 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to January 9th.
• AC Milan have won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 12-4.
• Fiorentina have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous 12 matchups across all formats.

Conclusion

Heading into March’s international break in the midst of a real purple patch, AC Milan will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off earlier in the month. Sat firmly in the driving seat to clinch a silver medal finish this season, Saturday’s guests have won all of their previous five showdowns across all competitions. Likewise, landing a 1-0 victory when they welcomed Fiorentina to the San Siro for their reverse meeting on November 25th, we are predicting an away draw no bet here.

Verdict: AC Milan draw no bet

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster