Fiorentina vs. Sassuolo – News and Probable Lineups

As Fiorentina approaches the conclusion of the season, they can secure their Serie A status with a victory over Sassuolo this Sunday at Stadio Franchi.

Nevertheless, Sassuolo intends to disrupt those plans as they seek to finish in the top half of the table following a strong recovery this season.

Match overview

Although Fiorentina squandered a lead in Lecce, they still managed to earn a valuable point on Monday, finishing 1-1 at Stadio Via del Mare.

By extending their unbeaten run to six Serie A matches, Fiorentina remains eight points ahead of their opponents, who find themselves in the relegation zone with five matches left to play.

Paolo Vanoli’s squad had recently exited the Conference League against Crystal Palace, but their primary goal since November has been to remain in Italy’s top flight.

With leading scorer Moise Kean still struggling with fitness, Fiorentina’s team has collectively stepped up: their last eight league goals have come from different players, including a great goal from Jack Harrison on Monday.

Since Fiorentina last lost a home league match in February, positivity is returning to Stadio Franchi, which had seen a dip in morale earlier this season.

After defeating Lazio in Florence two weeks ago, Fiorentina now aims for consecutive Serie A home wins for only the second time this season – though their rivals will be a tough challenge.

Sassuolo, having won the previous encounter 3-1 in early December, currently sits nine points ahead of Fiorentina in the league table.

With an impressive total of 45 points garnered from 33 matches, no newly promoted team has had a better record at this stage in a Serie A season within the last decade.

Consequently, the champions of last year’s second division can comfortably hold their place in 10th with ample room for safety.

After last week’s 2-1 victory over high-flying Como, Fabio Grosso’s team is still aiming for a spot in the top half of the table.

While Grosso has garnered praise – and is anticipated to receive job offers this summer – he will worry about his team’s tendency to start slowly.

Sassuolo has conceded the most goals in the opening 15 minutes this season and has allowed at least one goal before halftime in their last six matches.

Team News

While key player Kean continues his recovery, Fiorentina remains without Niccolo Fortini and Tariq Lamptey, and Marin Pongracic will be serving a suspension.

Wide players Robin Gosens and Fabiano Parisi are also uncertain for the match, but Marco Brescianini returned to the squad on Monday and could be ready to start.

Expected to support Roberto Piccoli in attack, Leeds United loanee Harrison has contributed one goal and two assists in his last three league outings.

Andrea Pinamonti, Sassuolo’s leading scorer with eight Serie A goals, shares his tally with Kean, although former Fiorentina striker M’Bala Nzola replaced him last week and played a key role in both goals scored.

Long-serving figure Domenico Berardi must complete a two-game ban due to an altercation in the tunnel following the Genoa match, thus Cristian Volpato may continue on the right wing.

First-choice goalkeeper Arijanet Muric missed out last weekend due to a minor injury, but Stefano Turati is likely to be replaced by the Kosovan goalkeeper.

Josh Doig can return from suspension and may feature at left-back, while fellow defenders Filippo Romagna, Edoardo Pieragnolo, and Fali Cande are sidelined with injuries.

Fiorentina probable starting XI:

De Gea; Dodo, Rugani, Ranieri, Balbo; Ndour, Beans, Mandragora; Harrison, Piccoli, Gudmundsson

Sassuolo probable starting XI:

Muric; Walukiewicz, Muharemovic, Idzes, Doig; Kone, Matic, Thorstvedt; Volpato, Pinamonti, Lauriente

Fiorentina will be motivated to secure Serie A survival, potentially claiming full points at the Franchi.

Well-organized under Grosso, Sassuolo poses a significant threat to any opponent – though they can be susceptible defensively.