Fiorentina are finally right where they belong, very close to the top of the standings, and Viola are hoping for another good result in front of their own fans. Lazio, on the other hand, are finding in increasingly difficult to cope with the high expectations, with Edy Reja’s side struggling on all fronts.

Good times ahead for Fiorentina

Fiorentina have done a great job in the summer transfer window, getting rid of some dead weight and holding on to star players Montolivo, Vargas and Gilardino, before buying several very good players. However, the biggest gain appears to be the return of Stevan Jovetic from injury, with the Montenegrin showing no signs of rustiness following the lengthy spell on the sidelines. With his teammates also pulling their weight, Viola have been pretty solid at the start of the season, recording easy home wins over Bologna and Parma, while also outplaying mighty Napoli at their San Paolo. The only under-par result was away defeat to Udinese, but that can hardly be considered a big failure considering the Friulani’s performances over the last few years. The players are clearly in great spirits following the impressive performance against Napoli, so there are no doubts that Fiorentina will be looking to win this game. Viola have yet to concede at Artemio Franchi this term, but that record will be put to a serious test against very good Lazio side.

Alberto Gilardino and Per Kroldrup continue to miss out, but Gianni Munari should make the bench after recovering from injury.

Lazio still underperforming

Following some impressive showings last season and heavy summer recruitment, Lazio were expected to play a big role on both domestic and international stage this term, but this transition period looks to be much more difficult than anyone could have expected. The Biancocelesti have been impressive in some games and disappointing in others, so it is clear that this team will need some more time to gel before becoming as consistent as Edy Reja expects it to be. With players like Hernanes, Cisse, Klose and Sculli responsible for the attacking department, it is little wonder that Lazio are scoring goals for fun, but they are also conceding far too many. The goalless draw with Palermo was the only game in which Lazio kept a clean sheet this season, that is if we don’t count the 6:0 win over weak Rabotnicki in the Europa League play-offs. Edy Reja’s defence will again be put to a real test, meaning that the Biancocelesti will have to score at least a couple of goals if they want to win at Artemio Franchi.

Giuseppe Biava and Stefano Mauri remain sidelined, but Stefan Radu and Djibril Cisse should return to the starting line-up.

Verdict

Fiorentina have been playing great football this term, especially at their Artemio Franchi and there are no doubts Viola will come all guns blazing at their opponents. Lazio don’t look capable of keeping a clean sheet in Florence, but they could score a couple, making both teams to score the best option here.

Our prediction: Both teams to score

Odds: 2.00 (1/1)

Bookmaker: William Hill