Serie A action returns for Fiorentina as they will aim to consolidate their stride for a top-half finish with a win over lowly Salernitana at the Stadio Arechi.
After struggling to capitalise on their chances in the final thirds, Fiorentina were able to score two consecutive goals in the first half of extra-time against Viktoria Plzen in the Conference League quarter-finals. Nico Gonzalez and Cristiano Biraghi were on the scoresheet to send the Viola in the semis as they now dream of clinching the cup.
Vincenzo Italiano’s men are also leading 1-0 on aggregate from the first-leg versus Atalanta in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, and the tie is set to be concluded next week. Fiorentina’s cup exploits have affected their league performances as they are unlikely to qualify for Europe next campaign due to being tenth in the standings right now with seven games to go.
The Florence-based side are floundering in the second half of the season, having secured only 11 points from 12 matches. The 1-1 draw with Genoa in the last outing did not help their cause and they stand threatened of getting usurped by chasing pack Monza.
Meanwhile, Salernitana could get relegated from the top division if Empoli beat Napoli and they lose on Sunday. The Granata will bank on their home record versus Fiorentina ahead of the match as they have never lost at home to tomorrow’s visitors.
Salernitana are rock-bottom in the league standings and it is only a matter of time before their relegation gets confirmed. Their fourth head coach of the season Stefano Colatuono suffered a 4-1 thrashing to Lazio in the team’s last league outing.
The Salerno-based side’s fans have been aware of their fate for a long time now but the team will hope to ease their suffering in these last few matchdays.
Results from their last five matches across all competitions
Vincenzo Italiano is expected to heavily rotate his side due to the midweek Coppa Italia clash versus Atalanta in Bergamo.
Giacomo Bonaventura will be out of this fixture due to an ankle issue. Michael Kayode, Riccardo Sottil and Lucas Martinez Quarta are the players set to start tomorrow.
As for Salernitana, they will miss Lassana Coulibaly due to suspension. Guilio Maggiore and Grigoris Kastanos are ruled out of the match with knee injuries.
Benoit Costil should start between the sticks despite the recovery of Guillermo Ochoa.
Salernitana (3-4-2-1): Costil; Gyomber, Manolas, Pirola; Zanoli, Legowski, Gomis, Bradaric; Tchaouna, Candreva; Ikwuemesi
Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Kayode, Martinez Quarta, Ranieri, Parisi; Duncan, Lopez; Ikone, Barak, Sottil; Beltran
