Fiorentina vs. Milan: Lineups, Thread, Season Opener Angst

Well this is a fascinating way to kick off the season, with a surprise package of a team from Fiorentina that could be a 4-2-3-1 OR a 3-4-3. Facundo Roncaglia and new boy Gilberto lead a host of unexpected starters, with Davide Astori and Mario Suarez both absent from the starting eleven.

It will be fascinating (and a little terrifying) to see how or if the attacking four favored by Paulo Sousa gel, with Josip Ilicic and Federico Bernardeschi the expected starting attackers to make the side. To look on the bright side, Sousa has some exciting attacking options on the bench, with Giuseppe Rossi and Khouma Babacar both ready if needed.

The absence of Joaquin from the squad at all is obviously the big story, and lends credence to recent rumors that he may be set for a return to Real Betis.

AC Milan are almost exactly as expected, as Sinisa Mihajlovic sets his side out in a 4-3-1-2.

Lineups

FIORENTINA (4-2-3-1): TATARUSANU; RONCAGLIA, GONZALO, TOMOVIC, ALONSO; BADELJ, BORJA VALERO; GILBERTO, ILICIC, BERNARDESCHI; KALINIC

Bench: Lezzerini, Sepe, Vecino, Rebic, Astori, Matias F., Fazzi, Suarez, Basanta, Rossi, Pasqual, Babacar

Milan (4-3-1-2): Diego Lopez; De Sciglio, Ely, Romagnoli, Antonelli; Bertolacci, De Jong, Bonaventura; Honda; Luiz Adriano, Bacca

Bench: Abbiati, Donnarumma, Suso, Cerci, Poli, Zapata, Montolivo, Abate, Matri, Nocerino, Paletta, Calabria

More info on the game and how to watch can be found in our preview, while all live viewing options can be found here (links to illegal streams in the comments will be removed and repeat offenders banned). As always, you can also follow along with us live on Twitter. If you haven't already, join the community on Viola Nation, and partake in the emotional diatribes below.

Whoever is on the field, if they are wearing purple they will be getting the best from us today! FORZA VIOLA, VINCETE PER NOI!