FIORENTINA v AC MILAN: MATCH PREVIEW
Serie A
After a brilliant end to February, the next chapter in the Rossoneri's book opens with an important and demanding away match. The first fixture of March is Fiorentina v AC Milan, a challenge between two teams that in a few days' time will be engaged in Europe but now have their eyes only on the 25th matchday of Serie A. The match will be played at the Artemio Franchi at 20:45 CET: get ready for the game with our Match Preview.
LATEST FROM MILANELLO
For the second week in a row, AC Milan were able to prepare for the league fixture with a full week of training: an aspect not to be underestimated, on the eve of two really important away matches - after Florence there is Tottenham in London. Krunić and Leão won't play due to suspension, while De Ketelaere is set to step in for the injured Brahim Díaz. Ismaël Bennacer, who has been out for over a month, could take the Bosnian's place in midfield, although Pobega and Vranckx are also competing for a starting berth. Both captain Calabria (who is more than likely to start) and Alessandro Florenzi are ready to be part of the matchday squad again. Rebić and Origi are in contention to come in for the Rossoneri No.17, with the former being the favourite to get the nod.
"On a personal level, this game is always special. This will be the case tomorrow - even more so in fact - because Davide Astori remains with me," said Stefano Pioli on the eve of the game. "It's a match between two similar sides, and we must only focus on these 90 minutes. We're the ones who determine our performances, and when we display the right characteristics on the pitch, we give ourselves the best chance to do well. It's been a positive week; in terms of morale, confidence and energy, we've benefitted from not playing midweek. We need many more points and wins to secure a Champions League place, so we need to take it game by game."
LATEST FROM FIORENTINA
The Viola have not won at home in the league since 7 January (2-1 against Sassuolo) and are going through an up-and-down period: brilliant in the Cup (semi-finalists in Coppa Italia, in the round of 16 of the Europa Conference League after the success over Braga), Italiano's team comes from the 3-0 defeat of Verona in the last game but also from the single point won in their last two home fixtures in Serie A against Bologna and Empoli. Terzić is out through injury for the Tuscan side. Even if they're both one booking away from suspension, Amrabat and former Rossoneri man Bonaventura, who is competing for a starting place with Barák (the Viola's goalscorer in the reverse fixture), are expected to start. González and Cabral are ready to take to the pitch as part of Fiorentina's 4-3-3 formation, with either Saponara or Kouamé completing the front three. After his goal at the Bentegodi, Biraghi should be a starter.
"It'll be a difficult game for us; we know how good this AC Milan side are, and they're now back playing really well again," said Vincenzo Italiano ahead of the game. "We'll need to do the best we can in terms of quality, attitude and our approach to the match. We'll try to challenge AC Milan with our weapons. We're also on a good run, and I hope the lads produce a big performance, as this is the only way the Rossoneri can be countered."
WHERE TO WATCH FIORENTINA v AC MILAN
In Italy, the game will be broadcast live on DAZN and on Sky Sport from 20:45 CET. To watch the game abroad, head to the "Abroad" section of the page "Where to watch AC Milan on TV".
Before the game, head to Milan TV for our Matchday programme. Coverage starts at 19:30 CET and will run right up to kick off at the Artemio Franchi. After the game, we will have analysis, interviews and Stefano Pioli's press conference.
Head to our Twitch channel for the Live Reaction of Fiorentina v AC Milan, starting at 20:40 CET, with Francesco Specchia, Lollo and more. Also, don't miss our live feeds on all of our social media channels, on acmilan.com and via our Official App.
LATEST FROM SERIE A
41-year-old Marco Di Bello from Brindisi will referee the clash at Artemio Franchi: one of the most experienced referees in the top league, with 147 Serie A matches already refereed in his career, Di Bello has 15 previous matches with the Rossoneri (10 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats). This season, he has already refereed Lazio v AC Milan on 24 January. Assisting the Apulian referee will be linesmen Mokhtar and Palermo, as well as fourth official Sacchi. VAR Di Paolo, Zufferli as AVAR.
The 25th Serie A matchday began on Friday 3 March with the big match, Napoli 0-1 Lazio. On Saturday 4, in addition to Fiorentina v AC Milan, Monza v Empoli will be played at 15:00 and Atalanta-Udinese at 18:00. Four Sunday fixtures: Spezia v Hellas Verona at 12:30, Sampdoria v Salernitana at 15:00, Inter v Lecce at 18:00 and Roma v Juventus at 20:45. Finally, there are two Monday postponed matches: Sassuolo v Cremonese at 6:30pm and Torino v Bologna at 8:45pm. (All times CET).
This is the current Serie A table: Napoli* 65; Lazio* 48; Inter, AC Milan 47; Roma 44; Atalanta 41; Juventus, Bologna 35; Torino, Udinese 31; Monza 29; Fiorentina, Empoli 28; Sassuolo, Lecce 27; Salernitana 24; Spezia 20; Hellas Verona 17; Cremonese 12; Sampdoria 11. (* = one more game played)
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