Juventus, Fiorentina, and European Dreams – Preview of a Sunday Serie A Showdown with Betting Angles & Analysis

One of the most anticipated matches in Europe this weekend is in Serie A, and features second-place Juventus (23 points) hosting sixth-place Fiorentina (17 points). Both teams enter this high-profile affair in Florence with goals and aspirations to reach Europan competition next year, albeit, maybe in different leagues. Juve will be looking to return to the Champions League, while Fiorentina will be happy with staying in the top 7. With that being said, three points in either direction could have a big say, even this early in the season. Which way should you bet this one? As always, we give our take below.

Juventus Game Preview Serie A

We mentioned it before their game against Milan a few weeks ago. Juve is a walking scandal and injury crisis. Players not being available any given week is the new norm, but it hasn’t stopped them from an impressive 7-2-1 record on the season, with only 6 goals allowed. Entering this match, Juve is on a run of five straight without a loss and three straight wins. And during that five-match unbeaten run, the Bianconeri have posted a clean sheet in each match. Impressive stuff defensively. 

As usual on the offensive side though, Juve is sweating out a couple of key injuries in the attack. Joint goal scorers Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa (4 each) haven’t yet started or featured for the full 90 since the international break. Moise Kean has looked very good in their absence (multiple goals called off via VAR), and as is typical Juve, they’ve gotten huge goal contributions from other positions with eight different goalscorers in their 10 league matches—including three defenders. 

It’s this combination of stout defense combined with big goals from unexpected scorers that has the Old Lady poised to not only challenge for a top 4 spot but also potentially challenge the Milan clubs for the Scudetto this season. 

Fiorentina Italian Football Match Preview 

Fiorentina have gotten off to a hot and cold start – building off of their strong top 7 finish last year. They generally take care of the teams in the bottom half of the table but have so far struggled against better competition under 3rd year coach Vincenzo Italiano. A defeat against a very uninspired Lazio last week is the perfect example. Normally not the end of the world to lose on the road to another big side, but that loss followed a loss to previously winless Empoli in the Tuscan derby. 

The implications in this one are huge for Fiorentina, as they are coming off of the aforementioned back to back losses in the league, and have tough league matchups with Bologna and Milan ahead. A defeat to Juve could really derail the morale around this squad and send them into a tailspin.

Goals have come via in-form Argentine Nico Gonzalez, who has 5 so far on the campaign. Unfortunately, other forwards haven’t been as prolific, with MF Giacamo Bonaventura next up with 4 and D man Martinez Quarta with 2. 

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Fiorentina vs Juve 

Betting Pick & Prediction

Current odds as of this writing: Fiorentina (+175) / Juventus (+145) / Draw (+230)

Let’s break down what this means, and why this is. Juve are the favorites here, and for good reason. They are in second place and have won 4 of their last 5 league matches. Fiorentina, while at home, are losers of back to back, and as mentioned have struggled for consistent goalscoring. 

Other head-to-head betting trends to look at – the under 2.5 goals has hit in 4/5 (under 2.5 is -150), Under 10 corners has hit in 5/6 (under 9.5 corners is -140) and over 4.5 cards has hit in 5/6 (card props not published at the time of this writing).

Our Pick: Juventus PK (-125)

Given the form that of both teams, this seems like a no brainer. The only reason we are cautious about Juve ML (+145) is because of Fiorentina being at home. They also should play like their life is on the line. Protecting ourselves on the 2-way moneyline here for a little extra juice is the way to go. If the game ends in a draw, the bet is refunded. 

Good luck to all who are placing a bet. Follow the guys here on the Happy Hour Sports Network,  Twitter,  YouTube, (@KicksPicksPod), and wherever you get your podcasts!

This is an Article Written by Kicks & Picks