Inter vs. Fiorentina: match preview

MILAN – The time has almost come. Inter’s return to competitive action is fast approaching. The Nerazzurri will be taking to the pitch for the first time this season for their clash with Giuseppe Iachini's Fiorentina at San Siro, on matchday two of the Serie A season.

STATISTICS

Inter and Fiorentina have faced one another on 164 occasions in Serie A: the Nerazzurri have won 66 times, while the Viola have won 44, with 54 draws completing the picture. Inter have hosted Fiorentina 82 times, winning 48, with 19 draws, and 15 away victories. Inter are unbeaten in six Serie A matches against Fiorentina (two wins, four draws), with our last defeat coming in April 2017 at the Stadio Franchi, with the hosts winning 5-4.

Click here for a look at the key statistics and trivia ahead of tonight's game

LUKAKU AND SEASON OPENERS

Romelu Lukaku has scored three goals in his last three season openers in Serie A and in the Premier League. Last season, the Belgian scored 35% of his goals in home matches (8/23). However, it was Marcelo Brozovic who scored the first goal of the 2019/20 season, opening the scoring against Lecce.

ANTONIO CONTE’S WORDS

 “We’ve been working really well, I’m pleased with what we’ve done over the past three weeks. We were one of the last teams to finish our campaign last season, with our final match being played on 21 August. We’ve worked well during the recent period, and I’m happy with the team’s attitude and desire. We’re ready to begin our league season. Given how things ended last term and how they’re starting this season, it’ll certainly be difficult. We hope that things can improve. Our ambition is to build on the credibility we earned last year both in Italy and abroad after making it to the Europa League final. We want to build on this and always do our best”. (Read the full interview here)

FANS TAKE CENTRE-STAGE ONCE AGAIN

After the success of the Social Wall on the third row of LEDs behind the touchline, with more than 10,000 photos being shared, “Together As A Team” will be returning for our match against Fiorentina. The iniative, open to Inter Club subscribers, who sent in photos and videos expressing their support for the team. Photos and videos will continue to be projected on the third row of LEDs behind the touchline, with a number of changes from last year.

Before the match, there will be a campaign to promote the 2020 European Week of Sport, which is being supported by Lega Serie A and Inter this year.

ALL THE INFORMATION HERE

OUR OPPONENTS

Giuseppe Iachini’s Fiorentina come into this match following their 1-0 win on the first matchday of the Serie A season against Torino. The Viola, having topped defensive statistics after lockdown last season, were the side that allowed their opponent fewest shots on the first matchday of the season, joint with Napoli. They also attempted the most crosses, with 17.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Gianpaolo Calvarese will be overseeing proceedings in Inter vs. Fiorentina. Calvarese’s assistants will be Fiorito and Liberti, while the Fourth Official will be Maresca. Giacomelli will be responsible for the VAR system for the match, with his Assistant Preti.

SUSPENSIONS 

Inter: de Vrij (1)

Fiorentina: -

COACHES

Antonio Conte has faced Fiorentina nine times in Serie A during his coaching career. The Nerazzurri boss has a record four wins, three draws and two defeats against the Viola.

Giuseppe Iachini has faced Inter 12 times as a coach in Serie A: for the Fiorentina Coach, there have been three wins, six draws and three defeats.

SCHEDULE

Here are Inter's first four fixtures of the season:

MATCHDAY 2 INTER vs. Fiorentina | Saturday 26 September, 20.45 CEST

MATCHDAY 1 (RESCHEDULED) Benevento vs. INTER | Wednesday 30 September, 18:00 CEST

MATCHDAY 3 Lazio vs. INTER | Sunday 4 October, 15:00 CEST

MATCHDAY 4 INTER vs. AC Milan | Saturday 17 October, 18:00 CEST

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