Verdict: Fiorentina win
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Desperately seeking a crucial Serie A boost on Friday night, Fiorentina will welcome Lecce to Tuscany.
Fiorentina
Starting with the hosts, while Fiorentina might have enjoyed a stellar three-match winning run on either side of opening February, the Viola have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Verona, Raffaele Palladino’s men have lost all of their previous three pf Serie A appearances. Continuing to show a string of inconsistencies since returning from Italy’s festive break, the Tuscany-based outfit have seen their European dreams take a real blow. With their struggles underlined by a 2-0 defeat against Como earlier in the month, Fiorentina have won just three of their last 13 matchups across all competitions. With that rut stemming all the way back to December 12th, Friday’s hosts will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. Now sat seven points adrift of the Champions League spots, Palladino’s side face what is a must-win showdown this weekend.
Fiorentina Team News
Diagnosed with a fracture in his back earlier in the month, Fiorentina will once again be without Iceland international Albert Gudmundsson. Likewise, AC Milan loanee Yacine Adil is still dealing with an ankle issue and is not expected to play any part on Friday night.
After serving a one-match suspension against Verona last weekend, former Inter Milan star Robin Gosens could be handed a full recall in Tuscany. Notching 15 Serie A strikes so far this season and receiving plenty of plaudits, Italy international Moise Kean will play a leading role in the final third.
Lecce
As for the visitors, while Lecce might have signed off January with a 3-1 victory against Parma, it appears that was just a minor boost for the Salentians. Last seen putting in another toothless performance as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home against Udinese, Marco Giampaolo’s men are at the heart of a Serie A relegation scrap. Mustering just a single win from any of their previous six appearances against top-flight opposition, Friday’s guests have also shown some extended issues in the final third. Including consecutive 0-0 stalemates against Monza and Bologna earlier in the month, Lecce have drawn a blank in all of their last three Serie A showdowns. Pencilled in as an underdog contender here, the Apulia-based outfit should also be concerned by their most recent battle against Fiorentina. In fact, Giampaolo’s side slumped to a woeful 6-0 drumming when they welcome the Viola to town for their reverse meeting on October 20th.
Lecce Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Lecce will once again be without the trio of Lameck Banda, Joan Gonzalez and Polish international Filip Marchwinski. However, returning from a thigh strain earlier in the month, Medon Berisha should get some more minutes under his belt.
Only managing to muster a single Serie A strike so far this season, former AC Milan striker Ante Rebic will likely settle for a spot on the bench here. One of Lecce’s standout performers this year, ex-Aston Villa misfit Frederic Guilbert will keep his spot at right-back.
Fiorentina vs Lecce Key Factors to Consider
- When Fiorentina and Lecce met for their reverse Serie A meeting on October 20th, the Viola collected a stunning 6-0 victory in Apulia.
- Fiorentina have lost each of their last three Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 5-1.
- Likewise, the Viola have won just a trio of their previous 13 showdowns across all competitions.
- Lecce have failed to find the net in all of their last three consecutive Serie A appearances.
- Italian international Moise Kean has recorded 15 goals in his 24 Serie A appearances this season.
Conclusion
Enduring what has been a public struggle on either side of the festive break, Fiorentina will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. However, although the Viola might have only registered a trio of wins from any of their previous 13 appearances across all competitions, they will be excited by their reverse showdown against Friday’s guests. Storming their way to a stunning 6-0 romp when they travelled to Apulia on October 20th, we are backing Fiorentina to claim a much-welcomed boost this weekend.
Verdict: Fiorentina win
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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