Prediction: Roma vs Fiorentina

Prediction: Roma win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: 888sport

Serie A football is back and as is the case with plenty of other leagues across Europe, they’ve got a lot of catching up to do after the winter break. Italian football, in a lot of ways, is starting to make a real comeback in terms of its prestige – and it’ll be interesting to see if they can maintain that momentum. Today, we’ll take a look at what could be a blockbuster encounter between Roma and Fiorentina.

Roma

Roma fans were understandably nervous when Jose Mourinho was first introduced as the club’s new manager. However, while they may not be in the title picture, the fact they have a trophy under their belt is bound to give the boss some confidence for this season. They are capable of going toe to toe with just about anyone in the league but at the same time, they do have a questionable result in them every now and then.

Team News

Ibanez is set to miss the game after picking up a yellow against Milan. Elsewhere, Wijnaldum is still out but should return in a matter of weeks.

Fiorentina

The years of Fiorentina being a prominent force in Italian football are in the past. Alas, while they may be hovering around midtable right now, it’s better than being seen as a side that has the potential to drop into the relegaton scrap at any minute – as they once were. They’re starting to build a fun-looking squad and if they can string together a few positive results, a late push for the top six isn’t off the table.

Team News

Terracciano is rumoured to be out of action for this one with Cabral being tipped to join Sottil and Mandragora on the shelf.

Factors to Consider

• Roma are 7th in Serie A with 31 points whereas Fiorentina are 9th with 23 points.
• Roma have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Fiorentina have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Roma have scored eight goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Fiorentina have scored nine goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

Our expectation for this one is that these two sides are going to trade blows until one of them falls. There’s a real attacking intent behind both clubs’ current philosophy and while Fiorentina may need to drag Roma into that kind of battle, we think the hosts will be more than happy to go there. It’s an ambitious prediction, but we’re predicting that Jose’s men will come away with a 3-2 triumph on Sunday.

Prediction: Roma win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: 888sport