Read a preview and watch a live stream of the Serie A clash between Roma and Fiorentina…
Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
When: Saturday August 30, 19:45.
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
The new Serie A season gets underway on Saturday, and the fixture list has wasted little time in serving up a treat for supporters as Fiorentina travel to Roma.
The hosts are considered the favourites by many for the Scudetto this season, with Coach Rudi Garcia strengthening well over the summer ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Having accumulated 85 points last year, the Giallorossi would have won the title in five of the previous six years, but a history-making Juventus side prevented them from winning a title in Garcia’s first season in Italy.
Nevertheless, the additions of Kostas Manolas, Davide Astori, Ashley Cole, Salih Ucan and Juan Iturbe will ensure that they have the required depth and quality to challenge on various fronts, and it will be up to their French Coach to oversee continued progress.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina appear to be haunted by the same injury woes that derailed their season last year as Giuseppe Rossi is ruled out with soreness in his knee.
The Italian international was fundamental to their impressive run last year but injury curtailed his progress and ultimately saw him miss out on a place in the Italy squad for the World Cup.
However, his latest setback isn’t considered as being too serious, and Coach Vincenzo Montella will hope to have him back sooner rather than later in order to pair him with Mario Gomez.
The German also suffered from injury troubles last year and missed a significant part of the campaign. However, that didn’t prevent the Viola from securing a fourth-place finish and it will be particularly exciting for supporters to think of what they can achieve with the pair together on the pitch.
Meanwhile, a further boost came this week with news that Juan Cuadrado would be staying at the club, and Fiorentina will likely challenge for a top three finish again this season.
Roma won this fixture 2-1 last season, and Garcia will be stressing the importance of getting off to a good start with expectations growing already.
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