Preview: Fiorentina vs. Udinese - prediction, team news, lineups

After blowing a lead at home to FC Basel, the Viola have their work cut out if they are to take a place in the Europa Conference League decider later this month, but they must first tackle direct rivals for a top-half finish in Serie A.

Match preview

In their first continental semi-final for eight years, Fiorentina seemed set to continue in the manner they have played throughout a superb Conference League campaign when Arthur Cabral scored from close range against his former club, Basel.

However, they let such an advantage slip through their fingers when conceding twice in the final 20 minutes, and a last-gasp goal from the Swiss side puts Vincenzo Italiano's men under pressure ahead of next week's return.

Notoriously flaky away from home in Serie A, the Viola have fared better on their European travels so far this season, but before crossing the border for the second leg, Italiano will expect a response to his team's faltering form.

While they have now been beaten by Basel and Scudetto-winners Napoli in the past week, Fiorentina have not lost any of their last six home matches in the league ahead of Udinese's visit.

They sit eighth in the standings with four games to go, but a gulf of 12 points separates them from the top six, so the Conference League represents their only real chance of securing more European football next season.

In Serie A, a top-half finish would now suffice - though there is plenty of competition even for that minor prize. Two points split the Viola from 13th-placed Sassuolo heading into the weekend, and Sunday's visitors are one of the teams sandwiched in-between.

Now aiming to do the double over Fiorentina this term, Udinese have won three of the sides' last four league meetings - including August's reverse fixture - after failing to taste success in the previous nine.

As a result of their 2-0 win over Sampdoria last time out - an outcome which consigned the Genoese club to relegation - the Fruilani moved onto 46 points, to sit level with Fiorentina and three other mid-table clubs.

In their last nine Serie A seasons, only once they have finished with a better points total, and they could now surpass that mark of 47 - only set last year - with victory on Sunday afternoon.

However, coach Andrea Sottil - whose son Riccardo will be part of the home squad this weekend - has seen his team lose each of their last three away games without even scoring.

Defeats to Bologna, Roma and Lecce also came at a cost of seven goals, so there is plenty of room for improvement to the Bianconeri's record on the road - though Stadio Franchi is perhaps not the ideal place to start.

Fiorentina Serie A form:

D

D

L

W

D

L

Fiorentina form (all competitions):

L

D

W

D

L

L

Udinese Serie A form:

D

L

W

L

D

W

Team News

With one eye on next week's trip to Basel, Vincenzo Italiano may make some changes to his Fiorentina team on Sunday, with top scorer Arthur Cabral among those that could be rested; Luka Jovic and Christian Kouame would then vie to start up front instead.

Elsewhere, Aleksa Terzic and Lorenzo Venuti are on standby to replace fellow full-backs Dodo and Cristiano Biraghi.

As Lucas Martinez Quarta returns from a Serie A suspension, only injured goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu will certainly miss out for the home side, though Riccardo Sottil's participation is in doubt due to a muscular problem.

Meanwhile, Udinese hope to have their leading marksman, Beto, back this weekend. The Portuguese striker scored the only goal in this season's reverse fixture, but if still unavailable, Ilija Nestorovski would most likely deputise again.

Alternative options, such as Isaac Success (thigh injury) and teenage starlet Simone Pafundi (Italy Under-20 call-up) are ruled out of contention.

In the continued absence of Gerard Deulofeu, captain Roberto Pereyra should form part of the lone forward's supporting cast. Only two midfielders have been involved in more Serie A goals than the latter this season (11: five of his own and six assists); however, he has never scored against Fiorentina in nine previous attempts.

Fiorentina possible starting lineup:

Terracciano; Dodo, Milenkovic, Martinez Quarta, Terzic; Castrovilli, Mandragora; Ikone, Barak, Saponara; Jovic

Udinese possible starting lineup:

Silvestri; Becao, Bijol, Perez; Ebosele, Samardzic, Walace, Lovric, Udogie; Pereyra; Nestorovski

We say: Fiorentina 1-1 Udinese

Previews by email