Prediction: Fiorentina vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Inter Milan win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to extend on their Serie A title charge and make a statement on Sunday night, Inter Milan will travel to the Stadio Artemio Franchi when they meet Fiorentina.

Fiorentina

Starting with the hosts, although Fiorentina might still be dreaming of the chance to book a famous Champions League ticket in 2024, the Viola are in the midst of a recent wobble. Last seen putting in a nightmare display in the Middle East as they slumped to a 3-0 Super Cup defeat against Napoli, Vincenzo Italiano’s men have recorded just a single win from any of their previous four domestic appearances across all competitions. Opening the New Year with a sluggish 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sassuolo, the Lilies will certainly be excited to make a return to home soil here. In fact, Fiorentina are unbeaten in all of their last eight showdowns at the Stadio Artemio Franchi – a run that stems all the way back to a 1-0 loss against Juventus on November 5th. However, hit with a 4-0 drumming when they travelled to Milan for their reverse Serie A clash against Inter on September 3rd, Italiano’s side will be bracing themselves for another stern challenge.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Fiorentina will once again be without the duo of Gaetano Castrovilli and former Shakhtar Donetsk defender Dodo. However, after suffering AFCON heartbreak with the Ivory Coast this month, Christian Kouame should be available for selection here.

In what could be a timely boost for Italiano’s side on Sunday night, attacking ace Nicolas Gonzalez could make a first domestic appearance since December 10th. Notching three strikes in his last four Serie A outings, ex-River Plate starlet Lucas Beltran will spearhead Fiorentina’s charge this weekend.

Inter Milan

As for the visitors, crowned Super Cup champions last weekend as they secured a 1-0 victory against Napoli in the Middle East, Inter Milan are enjoying a real purple patch. Battling it out at the top of the Serie A table and with their sights set on clinching a 20th domestic crown, Simone Inzaghi’s men will be desperate to make another statement here. With their extended flurry underlined by a 5-1 romp away at Monza on January 13th, the former Lazio boss has seen his squad suffer just a single loss from any of their last 22 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to September 27th. Punching another Champions League knockout stage ticket, Inter Milan have also gained a reputation for their continued success on the road. Including a stellar 3-0 victory against defending champions Napoli on December 3rd, Sunday’s guests have lost just one of their last 16 Serie A showdowns away from the San Siro continuing on from last season.

Team News

Suffering a long-term Achilles tendon injury last month, Inter Milan will be unable to call upon former Juventus star Juan Cuadrado on Sunday night. However, aside from the Colombia international, the Nerazzurri have reported a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Notching 18 Serie A strikes in as many appearances this season and continuing to break a string of records, attacking talisman Lautaro Martinez will spearhead Inzaghi’s charge this weekend. Continuing to shine since arriving at the San Siro last summer, French international Marcus Thuram will partner Martinez in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Fiorentina and Inter Milan met for their reverse Serie A clash on September 3rd, the Nerazzurri picked up a 4-0 romp at the San Siro.
• Likewise, Inter Milan have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 16 straight meetings against Sunday’s hosts.
• Fiorentina have recorded just a single victory from any of their last four domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Continuing on from last season, the Nerazzurri have lost just one of their previous 16 Serie A contests on the road.
• Argentina international Lautaro Martinez has notched 18 Serie A strikes in as many appearances this season.

Conclusion

While Fiorentina might have continued to shine at the Stadio Artemio Franchi this season, the Viola will be bracing themselves for a heavyweight challenge here. With Inter Milan storming their way to a 4-0 romp when they welcomed Sunday’s hosts to the San Siro on September 3rd, the Nerazzurri will be excited by a dominant record against the Lilies. Remarkably losing just one of their last 16 straight meetings over the past seven years, we are expecting what could be an enjoyable away victory for the title contenders here.

Verdict: Inter Milan win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Luckster