Atalanta-Fiorentina is a match valid for the return leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals and is played Wednesday at 9 p.m.: likely lineups, predictions, free TV and streaming.
A stone from purple midfielder Mandragora decides for now the Coppa Italia semifinal between Fiorentina and Atalanta, who three weeks ago gave each other a run for their money in a match of rare intensity, the likes of which are seen in the Italian league.
The Dea, which appeared more timid than usual, was surprised by the frenzied pace and especially the high pressing of Vincenzo Italiano’s team, which repeatedly came close to doubling the goal. The now chronic smokiness of the Viola’s attack – as well as a monumental Carnesecchi – thus kept the Nerazzurri alive, who will have to win by at least two goals in the return match at Gewiss Stadium to return to a national cup final. And attempt to win that trophy still missing from Gasperini’s magnificent cycle. Atalanta will also try in the Europa League, where a week ago it pulled off perhaps the greatest feat in its history, ousting the heavily favored Liverpool: in the semifinals, the Orobici will face Marseille, which went through on penalties against Benfica. Also fighting on several fronts is Fiorentina, which will be engaged in the Conference League semifinal first leg with Belgium’s Club Brugge in a week’s time.
Dea and Viola battling on multiple fronts
The Viola, which already made it to two finals last year (Coppa Italia and Conference League), aims to make at least one of the two cups its own in order to reach that Europe that is difficult to conquer through Serie A.
In the league, the liliati just got back to winning ways by folding 2-0 at bottom-of-the-table Salernitana with an 11 full of reserves. But despite having a match to make up – it is precisely the match with Atalanta that was postponed due to the illness of general manager Barone, who later died – they are only ninth, -5 from seventh place. Dea, too, despite cup fatigues, found the three points in the league after more than a month, cruising to a 2-1 win in Monza and moving to -1 (with one match less) from fifth-place Roma. Gasperini has almost the entire squad available-except for Toloi and Scalvini-and will be able to pick the best possible eleven. In attack De Ketelaere (ahead of Lookman) and Scamacca will be supported by Dutchman Koopmeiners. There are not a few doubts that grip Italiano instead.
Beltran and Bonaventura are still feeling pain and in the midfield Duncan will undermine the convalescent Arthur. Certain of a starting shirt are Milenkovic, Mandragora, Nico Gonzalez, Kouamé and Belotti.
The prediction
Florentin has won its two season meetings with Dea, beaten 3-2 in the league and 1-0 in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal. It will inevitably be another chess match between Gasperini and Italiano. And above all, no holds barred, like three weeks ago, despite the fact that their men are playing practically every third day. Atalanta, despite not winning at home since March-the last three victories have curiously all come on the road-should be able to get the better of a Viola side that nonetheless will not distort itself, trying as always to impose its game. This time it is likely that both will find the way of goal on at least one occasion. The possibility of going into overtime cannot be ruled out.
The probable lineups of Atalanta-Fiorentina
ATALANTA (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kolasinac, Hien, Djimsiti; Zappacosta, de Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Koopmeiners; Scamacca.
FIORENTINA (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Dodò, Milenkovic, Ranieri, Biraghi; Arthur, Mandragora; Nico Gonzalez, Beltran, Kouamé; Belotti.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
