Serie A PREVIEW | Fiorentina v Milan

Serie A action returns for Milan as they are set to face Fiorentina tomorrow at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Tragedy unfolded for Fiorentina ahead of the final fixture before the international break as general manager Joe Barone was rushed to the hospital and later passed away. The game versus Atalanta was called off but they will remain focused on getting the maximum points from Milan.

Latest reports are suggesting that manager Vincenzo Italiano will move on from the club following the end of the season as he has already submitted his resignation. 

It turned out to be an intense affair against Maccabi Haifa in the first leg of the Conference League last-16 match as The Viola managed to get the win but conceded four goals. The return leg did not produce fireworks but it ended in a 1-1 draw as the Italians progressed through to the quarter-finals. They will attempt to go all the way and win the trophy this time after ending up as runners-up to West Ham last season.

Since their 2-1 victory over Lazio, Fiorentina have dropped points courtesy of draws with Torino and Roma. They are 11 points short of fourth-placed Bologna and finishing in a Europa League spot would still prove to be a successful campaign for them.

Meanwhile, Milan has only one focus from now on: finishing up as runners-up behind Inter in the league table. Stefano Pioli’s job will be under scrutiny these last few matchdays and he will aim to finish the season as strongly as possible. 

The Rossoneri are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions. They progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after routing Slavia Praha 7-3 on aggregate to set up a clash with league counterparts Roma next. 

Milan grabbed a comfortable win in the Stadio Bentegodi as Theo Hernandez, Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze put their names on the scoresheet. With his goal, Pulisic equalled his personal best season in terms of goals scored and is now one away from reaching double figures.

Stefano Pioli’s men have a negligible shot at the title as city rivals Inter are running away with it for a long time. All they can do is delay their celebrations. 

Results from their last five matches across all competitions

Fiorentina:

D D W D W

Milan:

W W W W W

Team News

As for Fiorentina, Nico Gonzalez will look to continue their excellent form this season. Giacomo Bonaventura is banned for this match. Either Antonin Barak or Lucas Beltran is set to start behind Andrea Belotti in attack.

Milan will miss Theo Hernandez as he must serve a suspension. Davide Calabria and Alessandro Florenzi are set to be called into action.

Simon Kjaer picked up an injury recently on international duty. Mattia Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori are set to partner in central defence. 

Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud will aim to be clinical in the attack and get the win for Milan.

Predicted XIs

Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Kayode, Milenkovic, Ranieri, Biraghi; Arthur, Mandragora; Gonzalez, Beltran, Sottil; Belotti

Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Gabbia, Florenzi; Bennacer, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN