Fiorentina vs Napoli – News and Probable Lineups

After securing two quick victories under new management, Fiorentina will look to maintain their positive momentum this Sunday when they host Napoli in Florence.

Paolo Vanoli’s return has marked a revival for the team with consecutive wins and a total of seven goals scored, setting the stage for an exciting Serie A encounter at Stadio Franchi.

Match overview

Fiorentina faced another challenging season after Fabio Grosso’s dismissal following just four games, but the return of Vanoli has promptly brought stability back to the squad.

Under Vanoli’s guidance, the Viola managed to avoid relegation in his last stint as interim boss, and his second tenure began with a thrilling 4-2 triumph at Venezia, where Real Madrid loanee Franco Mastantuono netted a hat-trick.

Following their first Serie A win under his management, Vanoli led Fiorentina to a victory in a Coppa Italia matchup against local rivals Pisa, featuring contributions from three new summer signings.

With their usual coach back at the helm and regaining confidence, the Tuscan side aims to achieve consecutive league victories before the international break.

Nevertheless, they have started the season poorly at home, losing both top-flight matches at Franchi to newly promoted Frosinone and fellow strugglers Torino, and have struggled against this week’s opponents historically.

Fiorentina has managed to claim only one win in their last 17 home Serie A contests against Napoli, that solitary victory coming back in April 2018.

Regardless of the venue, Napoli has taken maximum points from their last four encounters, scoring at least two goals in each match.

Additionally, their head coach Massimiliano Allegri has only suffered a single defeat in his last 12 league fixtures against Fiorentina while he was in charge of both AC Milan and Juventus, achieving nine victories in that span.

With his seat not being secure, Allegri needs another win this Sunday, as Napoli’s performances have yet to convince under his guidance.

A tough schedule hasn’t helped their cause, with Napoli having faced consecutive defeats against domestic champions and English giants – first to Inter de Milão in Serie A, then to Arsenal in the Champions League.

They managed to secure a narrow win over Bologna last time out thanks to a rare goal from Stanislav Lobotka, marking Allegri’s first home victory at Stadio Maradona.

This provided some relief in Naples, but pressure will rise again if Napoli falters in Florence.

Team News

Vanoli implemented several changes for the derby victory over Pisa, and further alterations are anticipated for this match.

Mateo Pellegrino will look to fend off the challenge from Beto for the central striker position, having scored in his last three appearances.

Pedro Goncalves and Willy Gnonto also found the back of the net midweek, while Alieu Njie is another candidate for one of the two wide positions.

With only long-term absentee Fabiano Parisi missing due to injury, the hosts have a wealth of options to choose from.

Conversely, Napoli will be without several key players: goalkeeper Alex Meret and winger Alisson Santos have recently joined Giovane, Scott McTominay, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Luca Marianucci on the injury list.

Moreover, vital midfielder Frank Anguissa is uncertain due to an adductor issue; should he be unavailable, Billy Gilmour is set to partner Lobotka in midfield.

Rasmus Hojlund netted his first league goal for Napoli at Stadio Franchi this time last year; he will receive support from Kevin De Bruyne, who has created at least twice as many chances as any other teammate this season.

Fiorentina probable starting XI:

De Gea; Mario, Dragusin, Ranieri, Viery; Ndour, Beans; Mastantuono, Atta, Njie; Pilgrim

Napoli probable starting XI:

Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marin, Spinazzola; Gilmour, Lobotka; Politano, De Bruyne, Vergara; Hojlund

This season, neither side has truly impressed, but Napoli have the opportunity to disrupt Fiorentina’s current momentum following the Viola’s two victories against weaker opponents.

The Partenopei are likely to secure all three points, drawing on their depth of experience and a more solid defensive structure.