Salernitana – Fiorentina : Preview & Prediction
Salernitana return home after spoiling Napoli’s title party last weekend, as a 1-1 draw delayed the crowning of the new Serie A champions. Coach Paulo Sousa expressed pride in his team’s effort, but reiterated that they must be “humble” as they still fail to secure relegation, starting this matchday with a seven-point lead over the relegation zone.
Mid-season fears of falling into another survival battle similar to last year’s have largely been quelled thanks to a remarkable nine-game unbeaten run in the league (G2, E7). That includes a four-game unbeaten run at the Stadio Arechi (G2, E2), a venue where Salernitana have taken 20 of their 34 points this season. Keeping up the good momentum against Fiorentina is certainly not out of the question, as the “Granata” have never lost a home clash in this fixture (G3, E1) in the top flight of Italian soccer.
Vincenzo Italiano’s men should approach this away fixture with a lot of confidence after a 5-0 thrashing of basement side Sampdoria the previous matchday. However, fatigue may start to become a major factor as the season draws to a close, with Fiorentina still alive in three different competitions. Italiano wants his men to “recharge” in the midst of a brutal amount of fixtures, but there is a chance that the league will no longer be a priority thanks to their ten-point gap to the European places before this fixture.
Their best route to continental competition next season could be to win the UEFA Europa Conference League or Coppa Italia, which perhaps explains why they were winless in three league games before Sunday’s thrashing by Sampdoria. However, they have been able to record good results on rival soil, as the “Viola” have won three of their last four away league games without conceding goals (P1).
Players to watch: Since his minor injury in February, Boulaye Dia has been having a good time with Salernitana, contributing directly to eight goals in ten games (six goals, two assists). Meanwhile, Luka Jović showed his worth last matchday by notching a hat-trick of assists after failing to register one previously since January.
Standout stat: Salernitana’s league games this season average 1.34 goals, which is the highest figure in Serie A.
Salernitana – Fiorentina : Betting Tips
Salernitana – Win Odds: 3.25
