Fiorentina seek their first win of the season with Moise Kean and Robin Gosens, while Tijjani Noslin steps in for injured Lazio striker Taty Castellanos.
It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from all today’s Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.
The Viola are still looking for their first victory under Raffaele Palladino, after five draws between Serie A and the Conference League, plus last week’s 3-2 loss to Atalanta.
It is finally a full squad at his disposal, as ex-Genoa forward Albert Gudmundsson has shaken off a muscular issue, but is only on the bench and still waiting for his debut.
Former Lazio midfielder Danilo Cataldi faces his old club with David De Gea in goal, while Marin Pongracic is out of action.
The Biancocelesti had a better start under new coach Marco Baroni, picking up two wins, a draw and one defeat.
Castellanos is out with an adductor issue, while Samuel Gigot hurt his shoulder, so Noslin goes into the centre-forward role supported by Boulaye Dia and Mattia Zaccagni.
Gaetano Castrovilli left Fiorentina as a free agent this summer, so he returns to the Stadio Artemio Franchi as an opponent.
Fiorentina Team News and Predicted Lineup
Fiorentina: De Gea; Martinez Quarta, Comuzzo, Biraghi; Dodò, Mandragora, Cataldi, Bove, Gosens; Colpani; Kean
Lazio Team News and Predicted Lineup
Lazio: Provedel; Lazzari, Patric, Gila, Tavares; Guendouzi, Castrovilli; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Noslin
Serie A Liveblog inc Inter-Milan, Roma-Udinese, Fiorentina-Lazio
On Sunday’s early Serie A kickoff, Fiorentina will host Lazio at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence.
The Viola are still searching for their first victory of the season, while the Biancocelesti will be looking to build on last weekend’s win over Hellas Verona and start forging a winning streak.
Fiorentina Team News and Predicted Lineup
Raffaele Palladino will have a full squad to choose from this weekend. He’s expected to rely on Marin Pongracic to marshall the backline with club captain Cristiano Biraghi starting as a left centre-back to accommodate Robin Gosens on the left flank, while Dodo takes the opposite wing.
Danilo Cataldi could start in what will certainly be an emotional occasion on a personal level having recently left his beloved Lazio. He should link up with Rolando Mandragora in the double pivot, while Andrea Colpani and Edoardo Bove support the in-form Moise Kean in attack.
Fiorentina (3-4-2-1): De Gea; Quarta Martinez, Pongracic, Biraghi; Dodo, Mandragora, Cataldi, Gosens; Colpani, Bove; Kean
Lazio Team News and Predicted Lineup
Marco Baroni confirmed the absence of the injured Taty Castellanos and Samuel Gigot. While many were tipping Boulaye Dia to lead the line, the Lazio coach revealed the Senegal international will maintain his role as a second striker. Gustav Isaksen and Mattia Zaccagni should also preserve their spots on the wings, and the same goes for Matteo Guendouzi and Nicolo Rovella in midfield.
On the other hand, Tijjani Noslin and Pedro are vying for a starting spot up front, with the Dutchman considered the favourite to spearhead the attack. The defense should consist of Manuel Lazzari, Mario Gila, Alessio Romangnoli and the mesmerizing Nuno Tavares.
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Noslin
Match Report: Fiorentina 1 - 1 Lazio
First Half
The game started off with a high tempo, both teams pressing high and looking to create chances. Fiorentina had the first clear-cut opportunity when Dodô whipped in a dangerous cross, but Moise Kean’s header went just wide of the goal.
Lazio responded well, with Gustav Isaksen and Mattia Zaccagni causing problems down the flanks. However, neither team was able to break the deadlock in the opening 20 minutes.
In the 39th minute, Mario Gila gave Lazio the lead. Nuno Tavares swung in a cross, and the defender rose highest to head the ball past David De Gea. The goal was a timely boost for Lazio after a period of pressure from Fiorentina. The half ended with Lazio leading 1-0.
Second Half
Fiorentina started the second half brightly. They created several chances, but Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel was equal to every shot. The visitors were sitting deep and were content to hit on the counter-attack. In the 59th minute, Albert Gudmundsson was brought on as a substitute for Lucas Martínez Quarta, and he immediately made an impact. He had a chance to equalize, but his shot went over the bar.
Lazio were still looking dangerous on the counter-attack, and they were able to get a penalty when Mattéo Guendouzi brought down Gudmundsson. The Icelandic attacker stepped up and confidently slotted the ball past Provedel to equalize for Fiorentina.
Fiorentina continued to press for a winner, but they were unable to find a way past the Lazio defense. Ultimately, the two teams had to settle for a draw.
Key Takeaways
Both teams had a mixed bag of results in their respective opening games. Fiorentina, struggling to find their footing, seemed to have a better grasp of the game early on, but failed to create any real chances. Lazio, who won their opening game against Verona, did just enough to gain a point, but struggled to maintain their momentum. Ultimately, a draw was a fair result, considering neither team truly dominated the match.
Next Up
Fiorentina will be looking to build on this draw when they face Cagliari away next week. Lazio will also be hoping to bounce back from this draw when they face their next opponents, AC Milan, also next week.
Lazio Winless in Three: Fiorentina vs Lazio Prediction
Fiorentina will have to wait for their first win, as Lazio have started the season well and are more than capable of breaching their hosts' defence. The spoils may be shared at Stadio Franchi, which would suit the visitors much more than the Viola.For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
