Inter Milan vs Fiorentina - Preview & Betting Prediction

Ace Football previews the upcoming Serie A clash between Inter Milan and Fiorentina, while offering the latest betting tips, odds, and team news.

(Betfair odds above – Inter win/Draw/Fiorentina win)

Inter Milan begin their 2020/21 Serie A campaign by hosting Fiorentina at San Siro on Saturday night.

The hosts were given special permission, like several clubs throughout Europe, to start their season a little later upon reaching the Europa League final in late August. That extra week of recovery may not seem much, but could still prove useful in the quick turnaround. Especially with an in-form Fiorentina coming up.

Both teams have played out close encounters in the past, and this one coming up in Milan will likely be no different.

Inter Milan Form & Stats

Antonio Conte prompted a significant turnaround in form last season, with only a single point denying Inter a first Serie A title since 2010. Losing the Europa League final to Sevilla, however, was a disappointment.

Although it shouldn’t take anything away from the progress made last term, with fans expecting more of the same in the new one. Especially thanks to the summer arrivals of Real Madrid’s Achraf Hakimi and Barcelona’s Arturo Vidal. Nicolo Barella and Stefano Sensi have also joined in permanent deals.

So there is every reason for the Nerazzurri to hope for better this season, having pulled together a squad capable of challenging for silverware.

Conte, meanwhile, is aiming to become the first Inter coach to win consecutive league openers since Roberto Mancini in 2005/06 and 2006/07.

Key Team Stats

Unbeaten in last six league games against Fiorentina (W2 D4).
Only failed to beat Fiorentina (D2) last season, along with Juventus and AS Roma.
Have kept a clean sheet in their last four league games.
Been ahead at both half-time and full-time in last three league games.
Have scored two or more goals in seven of last eight league games.
Only lost once in last 15 league home games.

Fiorentina Form & Stats

Gaetano Castrovilli’s 78th-minute strike secured Fiorentina a 1-0 win over Torino last weekend, and a perfect start to their 2020/21 Serie A campaign.

La Viola hope to build on their promising progress from last season, where they rose from a 16th-place finish in 2018/19 to secure 10th in the standings. It was a welcome turnaround for the club. Although they are still some way short of matching their top-four finishes between 2012/13 and 2014/15.

All signs suggest, though, that Giuseppe Iachini has another potential top-10 finishing squad at his disposal. The head coach has made a key additions over the summer in Alfred Duncan, Pol Lirola, and Christian Kouame. Signing Giacomo Bonaventura and Borja Valero, meanwhile, on free transfers from Inter and AC Milan respectively could prove inspired.

Fiorentina should be able to give Inter a run for their money on Saturday afternoon, based on their strong head-to-head record and the fact their opponents may lack some sharpness in their first match back.

Key Team Stats

Won last three league games.
Have been level at half-time but ahead at full-time in last three league games.
Over 2.5 goals scored in five of their last six away league games.
Unbeaten in last three league games against Inter.
Aiming to keep consecutive clean sheets against Inter in the league for the first time since 1941.