As Atalanta, Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan prepare to vie for the Supercoppa Italiana, Serie A offers a significant opportunity for Fiorentina and Napoli to capitalise on their rivals’ absence this weekend. However, the two teams approach this encounter in contrasting form, with Fiorentina struggling to recapture their early-season brilliance, while Napoli continue to build momentum under Antonio Conte.
After an impressive start to the campaign, Fiorentina have faltered in recent weeks, failing to secure victory in their last four matches across all competitions (D2, L2). This dismal run marks the club’s longest winless stretch since February, and should they fail to claim three points against Napoli, it would represent their longest sequence without a win since September 2022.
For La Viola, anything less than a win could also extinguish their lingering hopes of ending a 56-year wait for the Serie A title. Despite some recent success in this fixture, Fiorentina’s triumphs have come exclusively on the road, with their last home victory against Napoli at the Stadio Artemio Franchi dating back to April 2018 (D3, L3 since).
Meanwhile, Napoli require just a point to overtake Atalanta and reclaim the top spot in the table. Yet, with three consecutive wins behind them, the Partenopei will undoubtedly set their sights on a full three points. Antonio Conte, renowned for his defensive discipline, has instilled a steely resilience in his side. Napoli boast Serie A’s best defensive record, conceding just 12 goals this season, and have dropped a mere two points from winning positions.
Conte’s record against Fiorentina further bolsters Napoli’s confidence. The experienced tactician has overseen nine victories in 14 encounters with the Tuscan side (D3, L2). However, this clash marks his first managerial meeting with Fiorentina’s current boss, Raffaele Palladino, adding an intriguing tactical dimension to the encounter.
For Fiorentina, Riccardo Sottil remains a pivotal figure. The winger has netted 10 of his last 11 goals at home, with four of those coming within the opening 20 minutes—a potential danger for Napoli’s disciplined backline.
Napoli could turn to Giacomo Raspadori, who may be handed his first Serie A start since August following his decisive winner against Venezia on Sunday. While the goal ended a personal drought dating back to April, the forward has yet to score in eight career appearances against Fiorentina—a streak he will be eager to end.
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Napoli’s defensive prowess extends beyond open play, with three of their last five away opponents failing to convert penalties. Their ability to handle high-pressure moments could prove crucial in a contest likely to hinge on fine margins.
As both sides prepare for this pivotal clash, Napoli will look to consolidate their position at the top, while Fiorentina face the daunting task of reviving their Scudetto ambitions. With form and history favouring the visitors, the stage is set for a fascinating showdown in Florence.
