Sassuolo – Fiorentina: preview
We have the predictions for the encounter between Sassuolo and Fiorentina in the tenth round of Serie A 2026/27.
The goal feast seems very likely at the "Mapei": both Sassuolo and Fiorentina play very poorly in defense and need a win after a series of failures.
Key points
Sassuolo
1. The crisis is looming over Sassuolo
Five matches without victories have practically nullified Sassuolo's vibrant start in the league. The recent defeats to Fratton (2:4) and Lazio (2:6) were especially painful, with a very poor defensive performance. Alberto Aquilani apologises, but the best response from the players will be on the field, as the "black‑greens" coach will be under close scrutiny. Sassuolo's squad, thanks to the good summer work of the sporting director, is not set to fight for survival, and diving into those matches brings psychological problems.
2. Defensive changes, return to midfield of Adjić and Matich
12 goals conceded in three matches signals that Sassuolo's defence is not in order. Two consecutive matches Aquilani trusted goalkeeper Stefano Turatti, but he could now return to the model with Ariánet Múric. The absence of Fede Liesen and Jay Idzé in defence, and Duy Chalet‑Zar, Kas Odentál and Fali Kande do not inspire confidence. There are few options except to resort to the newly recovered Sebastián Valukovich. The midfield will look more familiar with the return of Neñá Matich and Vasilije Adjić, both forced to watch the loss to Lazio from the bench. In attack, Kiron Boi and Sebastián Espósito have equal chances to start from the first minute.
3. Sassuolo plays well at home against Fiorentina
The reaction after the humiliating defeat to Lazio is a matter of honour for Sassuolo's players. That failure is not typical of the "black‑greens", as the team plays well at the Mapei. It is also reflected in home matches against Fiorentina: in the last five encounters with the Florentines, the home side has four wins and one loss. The psychological advantage is in favour of Sassuolo, but the team needs to overcome its defensive problems to expect a positive result — 22 goals conceded (the same as Monza) say a lot.
Fiorentina
1. Fiorentina loses points again
Fiorentina recently almost won against Inter, but finished losing at the "Giuseppe Meazza", conceding goals in extra time. In the home match against Atalanta it was not as dramatic, but the "Fiorentina" lost the victory, leading 2:1 and showing a more persistent attack than Bergamo. In the end, the five‑match winless streak brings the team to the brink of the abyss — the relegation zone. Paolo Vanoli's positions remain stable: the coach trusts and expects progress, but the situation for the former Spartak coach is no easier than last year.
2. Gonzalves and Ulaí could enter the starting lineup
Due to injuries to Luca Ranzeri and Marino Pongracio, Fiorentina's central defence almost has no competition with Radú Dragushin and Vieri. Juan Maríu pushes Víctor Valdepenya from the left. On the right, Dodo can finally play from the start, although Alejandro Hímenes does not give grounds for criticism with his actions — the Spaniard also needs rest.
In the heart of the midfield, Cristo Ináo Ulaí (Fajoli will rest) will be chosen, and Pedro Gonzalves can try on the left closer to the attack in the 4‑3‑3 formation. Franco Mastantuno and Mateo Peligrino still have the coach's favour, despite fairly old results. Beto and Vili Nionto await a status change from substitutes.
3. Fiorentina's defensive problem has not been solved
Sassuolo and Fiorentina are brothers in misfortune. Both are the worst in the league in terms of goals conceded. Fiorentina's problems existed even under Fabio Grosso, and continue under Paolo Vanoli. In the last four meetings — nine goals conceded, at least two in each. It would seem that Fiorentina can be praised for trying to play aggressively, but losing possession ends in fatal mistakes. And Sassuolo knows how to play attack, so you should not rely on De Hea, Dragushin and other defenders for a holiday regime.
Approximate lineups 4-3-3 4-3-3 4-9 4-9
Múric 3
Doyg 5
Kande 15
Chalet‑Zar 20
Ignas van der Brempt 50
Bakola 18
Matich 17
Adjić 45
Loriente 9
Boi 10
Berardi 43
De Hea 2
Dodo 3
Dragushin 33
Vieri 17
Maríu 27
Ndur 42
Ináo Ulaí 4
Bresianini 30
Mastantuno 32
Peligrino 28
Gonzalves
Trend bets
Sassuolo beat Fiorentina in four of five encounters at the Mapei. P1 at 2.18.
Seven of ten games between the teams ended with a total greater. TB 2.5 at 1.58.
Forecast
Sassuolo vs Fiorentina 02.11.2026 21:30
Sassuolo and Fiorentina are very similar in their current position. The teams have squads that are not for the fight for survival, but extremely close to it — and with Fiorentina this happens for the second consecutive year. The root of the problems is on the surface: terrible defensive play, but neither Alberto Aquilani nor Paolo Vanoli find solutions.
Sassuolo in the last round suffered a crushing defeat to Lazio (2:6), and now it is a matter of honour — justify themselves to the fans in the game with Fiorentina, which traditionally is comfortable in the personal encounters at the Mapei.
Fiorentina under Paolo Vanoli has started to play more aggressively and looks quite good in attack, but the defence has suffered and continues to suffer. The lost victories with Inter and Atalanta prove it. A match with a lot of fire from both sides is expected, and the odds of winning are equal.
Forecast: 2-2
