7M - Serie A Preview: Fiorentina vs Inter Milan - prediction, team news, lineups

Serie A leaders Inter Milan travel to the Stadio Artemio Franchi this Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, aiming to solidify their position at the top of the table. While the Nerazzurri remain the favorites to secure the Scudetto, they face a Fiorentina side that has recently shown signs of resurgence in their battle to move away from the relegation zone.

Inter Aim to Get Back to Winning Ways

Cristian Chivu's Inter Milan side enters this fixture following a slight dip in domestic form, including a 1-1 draw against Atalanta and a narrow 1-0 derby defeat to AC Milan. Despite these results, Inter remains the league's most potent force, boasting 65 goals scored and a division-best defense that has conceded only 23 times. The visitors will be boosted by the return of Hakan Calhanoglu and Alessandro Bastoni to the starting XI. However, they must continue to cope without captain and top scorer Lautaro Martinez, who remains sidelined with a calf injury, leaving Marcus Thuram and youngster Francesco Pio Esposito to lead the attack.

Fiorentina Finding Form at Home

Fiorentina, currently managed by Paolo Vanoli, have enjoyed a positive start to 2026, picking up 19 points from 12 matches. Their recent 4-1 thrashing of Cremonese and a successful progression in the UEFA Conference League against Rakow Czestochowa have injected much-needed confidence into the squad. Moise Kean, who has overcome a persistent shin problem, remains their primary goal threat with eight league goals this season. The Viola will also welcome back key regulars like David de Gea, Robin Gosens, and Albert Gudmundsson, though they remain without long-term absentees Tariq Lamptey and Manor Solomon.

Tactical Outlook and Match Stakes

Historically, this has been a high-scoring fixture, with Inter winning seven of the last ten encounters. The tactical battle will likely see Fiorentina employ a disciplined 4-3-3 formation to frustrate Inter's 3-5-2 system. While Inter's superior quality and away record make them favorites, Fiorentina's recent home resilience—losing only one of their last seven games in Florence—suggests a tight contest. For Inter, anything less than a victory could allow chasing rivals to close the gap in the title race, while Fiorentina are desperate for points to ensure their Serie A safety.

Predicted Lineups:

Fiorentina: De Gea; Dodo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Mandragora, Fagioli, Brescianini; Parisi, Kean, Gudmundsson.

Inter Milan: Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito.

Predicted Score: Fiorentina 1-2 Inter Milan