• Written by Steven Harrison
• Categories Football, Italy Serie A

Fiorentina face the mighty Roman test in classic Serie A clash.Perennial rivals Fiorentina lock horns with A.S. Roma in a crunch Serie A tie on Sunday at the Stadio Artemio Franchi as the Italian top flight league heats up.

Light showers are expected in Florence for this highly charged encounter that kicks off at 3 p.m. Central European time.

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The hosts, placed seventh on 16 points tackle a Roma side that is in scintillating form if their recent run is anything to go by. The Rome based side has won five of their last six matches in the league which includes three 1-0 wins on the trot.

Recent history favours Roma as the team has picked three victories out four in the league since 2015. Last season, Fiorentina was victorious 1-0 but lost the reverse fixture 1-4. Both teams will have to contend without the services of key players.

Roma defenders Bruno Perez (knock), Rick Kasdorp (cruciate ligament) and forward Gregoire Defrel (ankle) are out injured. Kasdorp’s injury suffered in October is expected to keep him side lined from action for at least four months.

Roma have the traditional Italian style of football in their usual 4-3-3 formation and base their strategy on building from the back. The team enjoyed a morale boosting 3-0 midweek win over Chelsea and coach Eusebio Di Francesco’s team selection throwing a major shade on this weekend’s line up.

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As a former Roma player, Eusebio understands the club’s philosophy that involves vintage possession and high pressing. Roma usually defend in numbers and have a couple of long shots specialists as seen against Chelsea in the Champions League if unlocking defences proves to be a daunting task.

Towering Edwin Dzeko is set to lead the attack while midfielders Daniele De Rossi, Radja Nainngolan and Kevin Strootman should all start if fit. Italy’s Alexandro Florenzi is the first choice at right back and he should get the nod. Brazilian Alisson Becker is set to retain his place in goal for this tie.

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Fiorentina on the other hand have a fast paced tempo to their game and look to break on counter attacks. Forward Cyril Thereau, 34, has scored four league goals and provided two assists this season. He is struggling with muscular problems having already missed the last two matches. Giovanni Simeone has netted three league goals and is expected to play a pivotal role on the offensive end.

INTERESTING STATS
Interestingly, both sides average about 16 shots per game which makes them two of the most offensive minded teams in the league. However, both sides have low goal returns as Roma’s tally of 17 and Fiorentina’s 19 after 11 matches being a shadow of their input.

MATCH EXPECTATIONS
In conclusion, this is undoubtedly a high calibre match with both teams trying to close the gap on the leading pack as only three points separate the top four teams. On paper, Roma appears to have a stronger squad and the depth to conjure up a win. Fiorentina, buoyed by the home fans can be a dangerous team and their players have shown great resilience even when facing stronger sides.