Best odds: 3/2
Bookmaker:
Fiorentina will be playing host to Juventus in what should be an exciting contest at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday evening, withing the 11th round of the 2023/24 Serie A roller coaster.
Six points separate the two sides at the moment, with Fiorentina sitting sixth on a tally of 17, while Juventus, with 23, trail only leaders Inter Milan by two. It means that if Inter lose to Atalanta in Bergamo on Saturday, the Bianconeri will have the chance of taking the top spot for themselves.
Fiorentina
It s been a relatively good start to the season for the Viola, who have accumulated five victories, two draws and three defeats in the 10 league games played so far. Their last game, however, away to Lazio on Monday, ended in heartbreak as Ciro Immobile converted a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time to score the only goal of the game and make sure all three points stayed in the capital. There s nothing for Vincenzo Italiano s men but to try and pick up the pieces and gear up for another match against a big opponent now.
Fiorentina also have an interesting battle on their hands in the Europa Conference League, where they top Group F ahead of Ferencvaros and Genk on goal-difference, as all three teams sit on five points apiece, while Cukaricki lie at the bottom, having lost all three games so far.
If they manage to book a place in one of the lesser European competitions again for next season, it s probably all the Viola can hope for while others fight for the Scudetto and the Champions League places. Nonetheless, even that is a sign of steady progress for a team that fought to stay in the league towards the end of the 2018/19 campaign.
Team News
Italiano is expected to make a few changes in his team for the Juventus clash, with defender Luca Ranieri and midfielder Rolando Mandragora set to return to the fold.
On the other hand, it s still too soon for defenders Yerry Mina and Michael Kayode, who are expected back some time later this month.
Juventus
Meanwhile, Juventus are also doing reasonably well. After the controversies which saw them lose 10 points through a deduction and consequently drop out of top four, they re fighting at the very top again. Massimiliano Allegri s team have won seven, drawn two and lost only one game so far, a rather surprising 4-2 defeat away to Sassuolo.
They ve also beaten rivals like Lazio and AC Milan, and in their last game, they secured an unexpectedly narrow victory at home against Hellas Verona, with Andrea Cambiaso scoring the only goal in the 96th minute.
With no distraction in the form of European football this term, Juventus are expected to concentrate fully on the Serie A and battle for the Scudetto until the very end. After the Florence trip, they will face Cagliari at home, before taking on Inter in what is likely to prove a very important match in the title race.
Team News
Juventus have had some off-the-pitch problems this season too, with Paul Pogba suspended after failing an anti-doping test. The former Manchester United midfielder is therefore unavailable for selection, as is fellow midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, due to betting-related offences.
Winger Timothy Weah, as well as defenders Danilo and Alex Sandro, are out through injury.
Conclusion
Despite these problems, Juventus are doing better than Fiorentina at the moment, and it s likely that they ll leave Florence on Sunday with all three points safely tucked in their bags.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 3/2
Bookmaker:
