Prediction: Roma vs Fiorentina

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Two sides battling it out in the top-four chase, Roma will welcome Fiorentina to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night.

Roma

Starting with the hosts, while Roma might have continued to show some inconsistencies on either side of November’s international break, Jose Mourinho’s men still find themselves leading the chase to claim a Champions League return this season. Last seen claiming an action-packed 2-1 victory away at Sassuolo, the former Manchester United boss will now be hoping to clinch back-to-back wins for the first time since the end of October. Breezing their way to the Europa League knockout stage with time to spare, Roma should also be excited by their extended success on home soil. In fact, on a stellar purple patch that is highlighted by a famous 7-0 romp against Empoli, Mourinho’s side have won all of their previous seven showdowns at the Stadio Olimpico – a run that stems all the way back to September 1st.

Team News

Dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance this season, Roma will once again be without the services of England international Tammy Abraham. The ex-Chelsea striker will be joined on the sidelines by both Marash Kumbulla and former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

Finding the net against Sassuolo last week and now bagging back-to-back Serie A strikes, Argentina international Paulo Dybala will partner the red-hot Romelu Lukaku in attack. Former Leeds defender Diego Llorente will once again join Gianluca Mancini at the heart of Mourinho’s defence.

Fiorentina

As for the visitors, extending on their Coppa Italia adventure earlier in the week and punching their quarter-final ticket thanks to a stunning comeback at home against Parma, Fiorentina should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Continuing to shine on either side of November’s international break, the Viola now have a stunning Champions League ticket at the top of their agenda this season. Last seen in Serie A action putting in a rampant performance as they cruised to a 3-0 victory against Salernitana, Vincenzo Italiano’s side have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to November 5th. Likewise, storming their way to the Europa Conference League knockout stage without breaking much of a sweat last month, Fiorentina will be hoping to make another heavyweight statement on Sunday night.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance across any competition after undergoing knee surgery over the summer, Fiorentina will once again be without 26-year-old midfielder Gaetano Castrovilli on Sunday night. The Viola are also unable to call upon former Shakhtar defender Dodo at the Stadio Olimpico.

Handed a complete rest against Salernitana last weekend, attacking talisman Nicolas Gonzalez should make a full return here. Bagging a first Serie A strike of the season at the Stadio Artemio Franchi last week, ex-River Plate starlet Lucas Beltran should join Gonzalez in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on May 27th, Fiorentina picked up a 2-1 victory at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
• However, the Viola have lost just one of their other eight showdowns against Roma.
• Sunday’s hosts have won each of their last seven straight home fixtures across all competitions.
• Likewise, Mourinho’s men have bagged a stunning 21 strikes on those events consecutive home victories at the Stadio Olimpico.
• Each of the last 14 meetings between Roma and Fiorentina have finished with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

With Roma continuing to gain a fearsome reputation for their success at the Stadio Olimpico, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair this weekend. Winning all of their last seven home fixtures on the bounce, Mourinho’s men have also notched a staggering 21 strikes in those consecutive home wins. It should be noted, with each of the last 14 straight meetings between Sunday’s opponents 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: Dachbet