Fiorentina and Atalanta face injury-hit Serie A showdown

The 9th round of Serie A brings a high-pressure meeting between Fiorentina and Atalanta at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, with both sides looking to rebuild confidence after a difficult start to the season.

The two teams will be aiming to change the direction of their campaigns, but both arrive with significant injury concerns, particularly in defence.

Fiorentina

Fiorentina will be without Marin Pongracic after he was injured in the match against Inter. Luca Ranieri is also a doubt, while Fabiano Parisi and Arthur Atta remain unavailable as they continue their recoveries.

David de Gea is expected to start in goal. Alex Jimenez, Radu Dragusin, Viery and Victor Valdepenas are in line to form the defensive unit.

Nicolo Fagioli, Cher Ndour and Marco Brescianini are the likely midfield choices, with Franco Mastantuono, Mateo Pellegrino and Alieu Njie expected to lead the attack.

Fiorentina’s possible XI: David de Gea; Alex Jimenez, Radu Dragusin, Viery, Victor Valdepenas; Nicolo Fagioli, Cher Ndour, Marco Brescianini; Franco Mastantuono, Mateo Pellegrino, Alieu Njie.

Atalanta

Atalanta’s defensive options have been further reduced by Raoul Bellanova’s injury in last weekend’s fixture. His absence adds to a lengthy list that includes Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, Sead Kolasinac, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Giorgio Scalvini and Giacomo Raspadori.

Maurizio Sarri is therefore expected to make several changes as Atalanta prepare for the trip to Florence.

Marco Carnesecchi is set to continue in goal, behind a defence of Davide Zappacosta, Thomas Kristensen, Relja Obric and Lorenzo Bernasconi.

Gianluca Gaetano, Charles De Ketelaere and Ederson are the probable midfield trio. Eljif Elmas, Nikola Krstovic and Jonathan Rowe are expected to start in attack.

Atalanta’s possible XI: Marco Carnesecchi; Davide Zappacosta, Thomas Kristensen, Relja Obric, Lorenzo Bernasconi; Gianluca Gaetano, Charles De Ketelaere, Ederson; Eljif Elmas, Nikola Krstovic, Jonathan Rowe.

The match forms part of the 9th round of the Italian top flight. The quoted odds make Fiorentina favourites at 2.20, with the draw priced at 3.60 and an Atalanta victory at 3.10.