Fiorentina vs Cagliari Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Last weekend was an emotional and difficult one for Fiorentina as midfielder Edoardo Bove collapsed on the pitch and it has since been confirmed he suffered a cardiac arrest but is recovering well. I Viola have since played in the cup and paid tribute to the Roma loanee.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 8th December, 2024: UK – 11:30am / US ET – 6:30am / US PT – 3:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Select matches will be televised on CBS Sports so it is worth checking their schedule
How to watch online: UK – OneFootball / US – Paramount+
Fiorentina Preview: Impressive Fiorentina
The aforementioned Edoardo Bove collapsed in a game against defending champions Internazionale that was eventually abandoned with Fiorentina emerging into a title race. They have, though, now been knocked out of the Coppa Italia as they lost to city rivals Empoli on penalties at the Artemio Franchi in midweek.
In Serie A, though, I Viola have been magnificent for a couple of months now following on from the appointment of former Monza boss Raffaele Palladino. With a game-in-hand ahead of this weekend, they sit just four points off league leaders Napoli and have won their last seven matches in the league.
Cagliari Preview: Struggling Cagliari
Serie A’s miracle worker Davide Nicola, who somehow kept Empoli up last season after performing ‘great escapes’ with Crotone and Salernitana in the past, was given the different job of trying make a team consistent and effective right from the off with Cagliari following the retirement of Claudio Ranieri, who has now come out of retirement to take charge at Roma.
The Sardinians come into this one on the back of a slender 1-0 defeat of Hellas Verona at Sardegna Arena last weekend thanks to a 75th minute strike from Roberto Piccoli. The visitors have been subject of supporter protest at times this season but do begin the weekend sitting comfortably outside of the bottom three and the relegation places.
Fiorentina Team News: Bove on the mend
Edoardo Bove is reportedly on the mend and has been moved out of intensive care. He is expected to be the only absentee from the Fiorentina squad for this weekend.
Palladino, a disciple of Gian Piero Gasperini, tried to stick with the back three early on this season but adapted to Vincenzo Italiano’s old 4-2-3-1 and results have massively improved.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Richardson, Cataldi; Colpani, Beltran, Sottil; Kean
Unavailable: Bove (Illness)
Questionable:
Cagliari Team News: No Lapadula
Cagliari have no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues for this weekend’s clash against Fiorentina so they will be able to name an unchanged eleven for this one.
It is expected and reasonable that they name an unchanged eleven so they don’t change a winning side. They are without Peru international striker Gianluca Lapadula due to injury.
Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Sherri; Zappa, Yerry Mina, Luperto; Zortea, Marin, Makoumbou, Augello; Luvumbo; Piccoli, Pavoletti
Unavailable: Lapadula (Injured)
Questionable:
Fiorentina vs Cagliari Prediction
Not only will Fiorentina want to further show their appreciation and support for teammate Edoardo Bove with performances and results but Raffaele Palladino will want his side to react to a frustrating loss to Empoli in the cup in midweek. Cagliari have been steady since a shocking start but remain a side set to be involved in a relegation battle throughout the campaign. Fiorentina are expected to win this one quite comfortably, especially with their home advantage.
Fiorentina vs Cagliari Tip: Fiorentina to win -1 handicap
