Simone Inzaghi anticipates a challenging encounter as Inter travel to Florence to face Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday at 17:00 GMT. Both teams are tightly clustered in the Serie A standings, just one point behind Napoli, making this clash a key battle for second place.
Fiorentina’s Red-Hot Form
The Viola enter the match riding a wave of confidence, having secured seven consecutive Serie A victories. They also claimed a win in the Conference League against Pafos on Thursday, further highlighting their excellent recent performances. Inzaghi, aware of Fiorentina’s impressive streak, emphasized the importance of Inter’s approach.
“It’s going to be a very tough match,” Inzaghi stated in an interview with Inter TV. “A lot will depend on how we handle it. They’ve been exceptional in their last seven league matches, so we know we’re up against a formidable opponent.”
Inter’s Momentum and Defensive Adjustments
Inter have been in strong form themselves, boasting 10 wins and two draws over the last two months. Their Champions League campaign has also been a success, with the team nearing a spot in the Round of 16. Despite this, Inzaghi highlighted the need for focus in Florence.
“We’ve worked well since July, and the results have been satisfying,” he said. “But we’re fully aware that tomorrow’s game will be a significant challenge.”
Inzaghi faces a defensive reshuffle due to the absence of Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, and Carlos Augusto, who did not travel with the squad. However, he views this as an opportunity for rotation rather than a setback.
“Squad rotation is essential to ensure everyone contributes,” he noted. “While we’re missing some players, our aim remains to secure maximum points.”
A Balanced Approach
Inter have improved defensively after a shaky start to the season, with seven clean sheets in their last nine games. While occasional lapses, such as the 4-4 draw with Juventus, have occurred, the team continues to work on both attacking and defensive phases.
“Everyone is working together to improve,” Inzaghi explained. “Both teams played in Europe midweek, so the conditions are similar. What we need is a strong performance, staying focused on one game at a time and being prepared for each challenge.”
This high-stakes showdown promises to be a thrilling contest as both sides vie for dominance in the Serie A standings.