Sassuolo vs Fiorentina Prediction

📢 What to expect from the clash between Sassuolo and Fiorentina in the 14th round of Serie A at the Mapei Stadium? The teams find themselves in different parts of the table, yet both are equally desperate for points. Sassuolo aim to solidify their mid-table position, while Fiorentina urgently need a victory as their direct rivals in the relegation battle are starting to pull away. In such circumstances, this head-to-head becomes crucial for both sides.

Head-to-Head

📊 The head-to-head history between Sassuolo and Fiorentina comprises 22 matches in recent years. The "Viola" hold a slight edge with 9 victories, while Sassuolo have won 7 times, and 6 games ended in a draw. In the season before last, when the teams last met, they exchanged home wins: Sassuolo secured a narrow 1-0 victory, but in the return fixture, Fiorentina thrashed their opponents 5-1.

Sassuolo Calcio Team Overview

🟢 After the first third of the championship, Sassuolo undoubtedly earns a solid "A" for their performance. Despite playing in Serie B just last season, they have looked surprisingly confident and competitive even against the giants of Italian football. After 13 rounds, the "Neroverdi" sit in tenth place with 17 points—a result that far exceeds pre-season expectations.

⚫ However, their latest match was certainly a letdown for fans. On November 28, Sassuolo traveled to face Como, who have been showcasing brilliant football this season, and failed to put up a fight (0-2). The hosts opened the scoring as early as the 14th minute, and Sassuolo never managed to turn the game around. Early in the second half, the "Larians" sealed the win with a second goal, leaving the visitors with no chance for a comeback. It's worth noting that the defeat was primarily due to Como's high level of preparation and skill, rather than any significant issues in Sassuolo's play.

Fiorentina Team Overview

🟣 What's happening with Fiorentina this season remains a question without a clear answer. Thirteen rounds have gone by, and the "Viola" are yet to secure a win in the league. They've managed to collect just 6 points, placing them second-to-last in the standings—only above Verona, who trail Fiorentina solely on goal difference.

⚪ The change in the coaching staff hasn't brought the desired impact. On the contrary, their last two encounters ended in goalless defeats. Following an unexpected home setback in the Conference League against AEK (0-1), Fiorentina traveled to face Atalanta and fell again, 0-2. It's not that their performance was entirely lacking; the "Viola" had chances in front of goal, applied pressure, and at times matched their opponents. However, the final score speaks volumes—this team still lacks focus and confidence in crucial moments.

Latest news

Sassuolo Calcio

📣 Sassuolo head coach Fabio Grosso, following their away defeat to Como (0-2), noted that the team tried to impose their style of play on the opponent but lacked composure in key moments: "We played our game, attempting to deny Como possession. However, we could have been more decisive and aggressive in finishing. Nonetheless, I take valuable lessons from this."

🚫 Sassuolo face the possibility of missing a significant number of players for the upcoming match. Luca Lipani, Stefano Turati, Aster Vranckx, and Daniel Boloca are dealing with physical discomfort, and their availability will be assessed closer to the game. Edoardo Pieragnolo and Laurits Kjellerup are in the same category as they continue to recover from muscle injuries. Filippo Romagna is also doubtful due to a calf issue. Domenico Berardi is definitely out, expected to return no sooner than early January due to a thigh injury.

Fiorentina

📣 Fiorentina's head coach Paolo Vanoli, following their 2-0 defeat in Bergamo against Atalanta, emphasized that the team's psychological state is affecting their performance: "The real matches start in December, and we need to stay positive. Psychology is everything – it's clear the team is playing with fear. I need to try to lift some of this burden off the players, who are making every effort to get out of this tough situation."

🚫 Fiorentina face three personnel issues of varying nature. Marin Pongracic will miss the match due to suspension (accumulation of yellow cards). Robin Gosens and Tariq Lamptey are doubtful; Gosens is nursing a thigh injury, while Lamptey is still recovering from a knee issue. Their participation will depend on their readiness.

⚽️ Goal Prediction

⚽️ Goal Prediction

Fiorentina are second to last in Serie A when it comes to goals conceded. Over 13 matches, they have allowed opponents to score 21 times—only Torino have a worse record with 23. During this period, the "Viola" managed to keep a clean sheet just twice—against Torino (0-0) and Pisa (0-0). Meanwhile, Sassuolo display a confident attacking playstyle and consistently create scoring opportunities. Given the vulnerabilities in Fiorentina's defense, betting on a Sassuolo goal seems like a logical choice.

🚩 Corner Prediction

Sassuolo aren't known for their reliance on set pieces. The team rarely approaches the corner flag—averaging only 3.4 corners per game. Only Cremonese, Pisa, and Parma have lower averages, as they often play more defensively. Even though their opponent is currently far from peak form, significant deviations from Sassuolo's usual numbers aren't expected. Therefore, betting on Sassuolo under 4.5 corners appears to be the most reasonable option.