Fiorentina vs Bologna: Preview

With most news these days about Fiorentina’s offseason - new stadium dealings, new coach speculation, it’s easy to forget there’s still some football left to be played. And so it’s time for the Derby dell’Appennino, as we welcome the Rossoblu from across the mountains.

Fiorentina

Paulo Sousa is without Josip Ilicic, Matias Vecino, and Federico Bernardeschi due to injury, and Gonzalo Rodriguez due to suspension, and at least the latter three absences will be felt.

The Viola is coming off back to back uninspiring 1-0 wins against Cagliari and Crotone, and while the club cannot keep relying on last minute Nikola Kalinic heroics, stringing together two wins in a row should give them some confidence, assuming the international break didn’t shatter that. Which, let’s be honest here, is usually what happens.

Bologna

Like Fiorentina, Roberto Donadoni’s side is coming to the Artemio Franchi in fine form, having won their last two games. The Rossoblu is also missing key players, with defenders Filip Helander and Erick Pulgar out due to injury and suspension respectively.

Bologna’s creativity has been coming from their wings, with standout players including Moroccan born Italian left back Adam Masina, currently linked with a move to one of the big clubs, and Czech winger Ladislav Krejci who has 7 assists this year. Up front is Mattia Destro, not having a particularly good year but he remains dangerous when given the space.

Possible future Fiorentina coach Donadoni’s 3-5-2 has parallels with Sousa’s system, and although they average only 48% possession for the season, their improved form has seen an uptick of possession, with 60% against Chievo - these numbers are below Sousa’s Fiorentina, which is averaging 56% for the season, but this has the potential to be an open game, as Donadoni has in the past taken risks against Fiorentina.

Possible lineups

Fiorentina (3-4-2-1): Tatarusanu; Sanchez, Tomovic, Astori; Chiesa, Borja Valero, Badelj, Olivera; Saponara, Tello; Kalinic

Bologna (3-5-2): Mirante; Torosidis, Maietta, Gastaldello; Masina, Donsah, Nagy, Dzemaili, Krejci; Verdi, Destro

How to watch

TV: Check here for local options.

Online: Here is a list of safe, reliable, and legal streams, including beIN Sports Connect.

Forza Viola!