Despite starting the year in the top four of Serie A, Fiorentina finds themselves in a tough spot after a disappointing run of form. With just one win in their last seven league matches, they now trail seventh-placed Lazio by two points. This upcoming game was supposed to be a joyous homecoming for Christian Kouamé, who was set to start after his AFCON campaign. However, his positive malaria test has added another challenge for Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano to overcome.
Returning to Stadio Artemio Franchi might provide a much-needed boost for Fiorentina. In their last home game, they celebrated their only league victory of 2024 with an impressive 5-1 win over Frosinone, their highest Serie A victory since last April. However, their record against top-seven sides has been less than stellar, with just two wins, one draw, and six losses. It’s unlikely to be an easy evening for them.
On the other hand, Lazio managed to hold out against Torino in their previous match, securing a 2-0 victory with two quick-fire second-half goals. This win brought them within a point of the top-six teams in the league. Coach Maurizio Sarri will be eager to see his players continue their winning momentum against higher-placed opponents, especially after losing to European rivals in two of their last four matches. A failure to perform here could have serious consequences for their hopes of a top-four finish.
Both Fiorentina and Lazio have their eyes set on European qualification, making this clash even more crucial. However, Lazio’s record against top-eight teams hasn’t been impressive either, with just two victories, one draw, and six losses. It’s worth noting that one of those victories came in the reverse fixture against Fiorentina, where they emerged as 1-0 winners.
There are a few key players to keep an eye on in this match. Andrea Belotti, who recently opened his scoring account for Fiorentina, has been a second-half threat, with four of his last six goals coming after the break. Luis Alberto, on the other hand, provided two assists in Lazio’s last victory. He has been influential in past encounters between these two teams, contributing eight goals and assists in 13 head-to-head matches.
In terms of historical statistics, it’s interesting to note that only one of the last six meetings between these two teams saw both sides score. This suggests that the upcoming match could be a tight and closely contested affair.
As the battle for European aspirations intensifies, both Fiorentina and Lazio will be aiming for nothing less than a victory. The outcome of this match could have a significant impact on their chances of securing a top-four finish. With key players ready to make an impact and the stakes high, fans can expect an exciting and hard-fought encounter.
Hot stat: Only one of the last six head-to-head matches between Fiorentina and Lazio saw both teams score, indicating a trend of tight defensive battles between the two sides.