Fiorentina just missed out on Champions League by one place last season, while AC Milan had an awful campaign and never looked up for the fight. Both have made big changes this offseason and retain the goal of finishing in the top three. This game could go a long way toward showing each of them how far they have to go before they’re considered one of Italy’s three best sides.
Fiorentina vs. AC Milan live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Serie A online
Two of Serie A’s biggest clubs that missed Champions League will have the goal of returning to the top three this season.
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Milan’s poor league showing last year meant they had to play in the first round of Coppa Italia, which turned out to be a blessing. They got to play a competitive match before this big tilt against the Viola and looked solid, with Luiz Adriano and Keisuke Honda scoring. Five new Rossoneri players made their debut in that game.
Siniša Mihajlović isn’t doing anything dramatic, setting up Milan in their famous narrow midfield with a true playmaker in behind the forwards. While he’s not re-inventing the wheel, he’s getting in better personnel than the two managers before him, and he’s much more experienced than both of them as well. Even if Milan aren’t great this year, they look likely to finish much better than 9th.
How will Milan use their new signings?
In Coppa Italia, Miha started Luis Adriano and Carlos Bacca as a strike partnership, with Honda in behind them. Alessio Romagnoli and Rodrigo Ely started next to each other in the center of a back four. The strike pair should stay intact, but expect one of Milan's two young defenders to be dropped for Cristian Zapata, who's recently recovered from a minor injury.
Does either team have a chance at Champions League?
They're both going to have to do some work at the end of the transfer window to feel like they're favorites for top three. Both Milan and Fiorentina have brought in some great talent, but have holes left to fill. Fiorentina don't have a replacement for the departed Mohamed Salah yet, while Milan are short in midfield. This match should show off some of the deficiencies in both teams.
Fiorentina injuries and suspensions
Out: Marko Bakic (knee). In doubt: Mounir El Hamdaoui (hamstring)
AC Milan injuries and suspensions
Out: Jeremy Menez (back), M’baye Niang (toe). In doubt: Philippe Mexes (knee)
Match date/time: Sunday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy
TV: RAI (U.S. and Canada - Italian), BT Sport Europe (U.K.), Sky Sport 1 (Italy)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), BT Sport (U.K.)
Delay: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada)
Listings for more countries at LiveSoccerTV.
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