Fiorentina vs Genoa – News and Probable Lineups

Fiorentina, just a point shy of Serie A safety, will host Genoa at Stadio Franchi this Sunday afternoon.

The Viola hope to keep pace with their guests as they prepare for the upcoming season, ensuring their survival, regardless of other outcomes, with a draw.

Match overview

Following a rough start to their Serie A campaign, Fiorentina shifted their focus from a European qualification to merely staying in Italy’s top league – and safety is now within reach.

The recent 4-0 loss against Roma ended the Tuscan club’s seven-match unbeaten run, but Paolo Vanoli has skillfully steered the team close to safety.

Even if 18th-placed Cremonese were to win all their remaining three matches – starting with one also on Sunday – Fiorentina would require just one point to secure their position.

The signs look promising, as they have remained unbeaten in their last six Serie A home matches, conceding only one goal in the past five – and that was from a draw with the newly crowned champions, Inter de Milão.

Moreover, history is on the side of the Viola this weekend: they haven’t lost in their last 10 league encounters with Genoa, including a 2-2 tie in the previous November meeting.

This match held particular importance for both sides, with Vanoli having just been appointed by Fiorentina and Genoa bringing Daniele De Rossi to the Ligurian capital.

The Roma icon has had a significant influence since taking over from Patrick Vieira, transforming a struggling team facing relegation threats.

As winter faded into spring, the Grifone pulled away from the relegation zone with five wins from eight matches, though they have gained only one point in their last two games.

After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Como at the end of April, De Rossi’s side confirmed their Serie A status with a goalless draw against Atalanta.

This result means Genoa has achieved clean sheets in half of their last eight away matches, but they will find themselves at a disadvantage in Florence.

The Rossoblu have won only once in their past 16 league fixtures against Fiorentina – whether at home or away – with their last victory in the top flight at the Franchi dating back to 1977.

Team News

Fiorentina striker Moise Kean has been dealing with a persistent shin issue for two months – having taken leave for family matters last week – but he could make a return this Sunday.

Kean’s backup, Roberto Piccoli, has also missed the last two fixtures, although he has resumed full training.

With neither player fully match-ready, Albert Gudmundsson might continue to lead the line; he has netted in both Serie A matches against his former club Genoa, including the earlier encounter this season.

Additionally, Niccolo Fortini and Luis Balbo are nearing recovery from their injuries, while fellow full-back Tariq Lamptey remains out.

On the other hand, Genoa is without Roma loanee Tommaso Baldanzi and Brazilian midfielder Junior Messias due to muscle injuries, and Brooke Norton-Cuffy’s situation remains uncertain.

With safety assured, De Rossi might look to make some adjustments, leaving Ruslan Malinoxyi hoping for a return to the starting XI.

The Ukrainian forward has scored six times this season, just one goal short of top scorer Lorenzo Colombo, and has previously contributed four goals against Fiorentina.

Fiorentina probable starting XI:

De Gea; Dodo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Ndour, Beans, Mandragora; Harrison, Gudmundsson, Solomon

Genoa probable starting XI:

Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Sabelli, Frendrup, Malinoxyi, Martin; Ekhator, Vitinha; Columbus

Both teams will be aiming to secure their places in the next Serie A season, with a win for Fiorentina solidifying their position alongside Genoa.

Despite a somewhat average home record, the Viola have found their rhythm in recent weeks as relegation concerns have diminished.