Fiorentina failed to build on the impressive victory over AC Milan as they were beaten by Torino last time out and Viola now face a difficult task against high-flying Genoa. The Rossoblu completely outclassed Hellas Verona ahead of the international break and now hope to get something from Artemio Franchi as well.

New-look Viola still finding their feet

Following yet another season in which they failed to mount a serious challenge for Champions League qualification, Fiorentina chiefs decided to make changes to both coaching and playing personnel, with Paulo Sousa appointed the new head coach. The new boss will have some rebuilding to do given the numerous changes in the summer, and no doubts he is in for a difficult task. Viola did show some promise to defeat AC Milan in their opening fixture, but the 3-1 loss to Torino that ensued proved the team were still far from the desired form. Just like his predecessor, Paulo Sousa continues to change playing styles from one game to the next, which makes it difficult for players to find any consistency. And while this team clearly has plenty of potential, chances are a lot of time will pass before they start living up to the billing. The recent international break is likely to make things even more difficult as a number of players were away on international duty, so Fiorentina will have to work hard if they want to avoid another disappointing result.

Coach Paulo Sousa has absolutely no selection problems at the moment, with new signing Jakub Blaszczykowski expected to start from the bench.

Confidence is high

The previous Serie A campaign could prove to have a major impact on club’s future success seeing as this was the first time in quite a while that Genoa finished so high in the league standings. And even if they were eventually denied a well deserved Europa League berth, the Rossoblu have clearly drawn confidence from the previous season, having impressed at the start of the new championship. Genoa did lose their opening fixture to Palermo, but only after they had created a host of clear-cut chances in a match where they were the better team. The Rossoblu then went on to completely outclass very good Hellas Verona side at their Stadio Luigi Ferraris, scoring two goals and again creating few more goalscoring opportunities. With Diego Perotti back to the side and Blerim Dzemaili arriving on loan from Galatasaray, Genoa should look even better when they face Fiorentina at Artemio Franchi and I can definitely see them extending the run of excellent performances.

Diego Perotti, Sebastian De Maio and Diogo Figueiras are back from injury, but Serge Gakpe is doubtful and Perin, Munoz, Tambe and Pavoletti are out injured.

Verdict

Fiorentina are still searching for their form and have been far from impressive in the first two matches, whereas Genoa have played some great football and will also have several important footballers back to the side. Therefore, I am backing the Rossoblu to grab at least one point from Artemio Franchi.

Top pick: Genoa not to lose   2.25 (5/4) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score   1.91 (10/11) @ William Hill

Alternative pick 2: Away win   6.25 (21/4) @ BetVictor