Best Odds: 5/4
Bookmaker:
Looking to open the New Year with another Serie A statement, Fiorentina will travel to the Mapei Stadium when they meet Sassuolo on Saturday night.
Sassuolo
Starting with the hosts, crashing out of the Coppa Italia earlier in the week thanks to a routine 3-1 loss at the hands of Atalanta, it is no secret that Sassuolo find themselves at the heart of a major domestic struggle. Although Alessio Dionisi’s men might have eventually cruised their way to Serie A safety last season, the Neroverdi are looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scarp and they have continued to come under some mounting scrutiny. Signing off 2023 with a toothless performance as they suffered a 1-0 loss away at AC Milan, Sassuolo have collected just a single point from any of their last five top-flight appearances. Currently holding just a two-point buffer from slipping into the relegation play-off spot, Saturday’s hosts should also be concerned by their extended issues on home soil. Including a 2-1 defeat against fellow strugglers Genoa last month, Dionisi’s side have not claimed a single Serie A win in front of their own supporters since back on September 23rd.
Team News
Not making a single Serie A appearance since the start of October, Sassuolo will once again be without former West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang here. Likewise, Dionisi is also unable to call upon the duo of Uros Racic and one-time Roma forward Gregoire Defrel on Saturday night.
However, returning from his own respective injury issue and bagging a consolation strike against Atalanta earlier in the week, 22-year-old Daniel Boloca could be handed a full recall. Former AC Milan star Samu Castillejo will also be hoping could replace Nedim Bajrami in the final third.
Fiorentina
As for the visitors, continuing to shine this season and gaining a string of plaudits from across Italy’s elite, Fiorentina firmly have their sights set on clinching a famous Champions League return in 2024. Last seen signing off 2023 with a gritty 1-0 victory at home against Torino, there is no doubt that Vincenzo Italiano’s men will be looking to make another statement here. Storming their way to another Europa Conference League knockout stage ticket last month, the Viola are unbeaten in all of their previous eight straight appearances across all competitions. Likewise, with that extended flurry stemming all the way back to November 25th, Saturday’s guests have won all of their last three domestic showdowns by a 1-0 scoreline. Breezing their way to a 3-1 romp when they last travelled to the Mapei Stadium back on June 2nd, Fiorentina will be relishing another trip to Sassuolo this weekend.
Team News
Both dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Fiorentina will once again be without the duo of Gaetano Castrovilli and Brazilian defender Dodo this weekend. Likewise, missing each of the Viola’s last three Serie A appearances, Italiano’s side are sweating over the fitness of attacking talisman Nicolas Gonzalez.
Signing off 2023 with a pair of goals in his final three top-flight appearances, ex-River Plate starlet Lucas Beltran will once again spearhead Fiorentina’s charge on Saturday night. Former Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo will partner 30-year-old Duncan at the heart of Italiano’s midfield.
Key Factors to Consider
