Fiorentina vs Benevento: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

Fiorentina enter their centenary season with a fixture that, on paper, looks tailor-made for a comfortable start. They face Benevento in the Coppa Italia’s round of 32 – a side from Serie B that has historically caused them little trouble. In the last four official meetings between the two clubs, Fiorentina have won three.

Tactical Analysis: Fiorentina’s Progress Under Grosso

Fabio Grosso has spent the last two years building an attacking identity at Sassuolo, a club with far fewer resources than his current project. Now at Fiorentina, he is trying to replicate that philosophy on a bigger stage. During the summer friendly schedule, his new side won only three of six warm-up matches, but the quality of their performances improved steadily. The most encouraging display came in the final friendly against Deportivo La Coruña (1–1). Fiorentina dominated possession, moved the ball fluidly, pressed effectively, and gave the Spanish side almost nothing. The only blemish came late when reserve goalkeeper Christensen misjudged a free kick, leading to the equaliser.

Grosso frequently rotated his squad for Coppa Italia matches during his previous tenure, and that trend is expected to continue in Florence. However, the round of 32 can be seen as an extension of pre-season preparations – a first real test under competitive conditions. As a result, the manager is likely to field his strongest available XI on Friday. That means fans should see the Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, signed on loan from Real Madrid, starting on the right half‑space. The central midfield duo of Atta and Ulai, who effectively link defence and attack, will be the engine room of the new system. The only real concern for the hosts is a lack of defensive balance. Fiorentina have brought in several new defenders over the summer – Vieri, Drăgușin, Valdepeñas, Jiménez, and João Mário – yet they have kept only one clean sheet in their last four outings.

Tactical Analysis: Benevento’s Attacking Intent

After returning to Serie B last season, Benevento aim to establish themselves in the second tier. Under manager Antonio Floro Flores, the team’s commitment to attacking football is every bit as strong as it was in the third division. Over the summer, the “Giallorossi” played five friendlies without a single defeat, scoring a combined total of 33 goals. Even if you discount the 22–0 demolition of amateur side Calvi, they scored at least twice in every other match.

Benevento began their Coppa Italia campaign with a preliminary round thriller against Serie C side Ravenna, winning 5–3. The most impressive aspect was their physical conditioning: trailing in the first half, they turned the match around after the break, netting three goals in the final 30 minutes without conceding. Expect Floro Flores to name almost the same starting XI, with two changes. Attacking midfielder Simone Verdi and left‑back Raffaele Romano made a strong impact after coming off the bench against Ravenna and have earned places ahead of Angelo Talia and Pietro Beruatto respectively.

Predicted Lineups

Fiorentina (4-3-2-1): De Gea – Jiménez, Valdepeñas, Drăgușin, João Mário – Atta, Ulai, Ndour – Mastantuono, Gudmundsson – Kean

Unavailable: Parisi (injury)

Head coach: Fabio Grosso

Benevento (4-2-3-1): Esposito – Pierozzi, Sconamillo, Caldirola, Romano – Maita, Prisco – Lamesta, Verdi, Giuliano – Salvemini

Unavailable: Simonetti, Ricci (both injured)

Head coach: Antonio Floro Flores

Prediction & Bet

Main prediction: Fiorentina to win with a handicap of -1.5 at odds of 1.84

Big clubs rarely bow out at the round of 32 stage of the Coppa Italia, and Fiorentina should be no exception. They have drawn a stylistically favourable opponent in Benevento, a team that – like Grosso’s side – prioritises attack. But the gulf in class between a Serie A outfit and a side fresh from promotion to Serie B is enormous. Fiorentina’s frontline – Mastantuono, Gudmundsson, and Moise Kean, one of the division’s most effective strikers – will be far too much for Benevento’s mediocre defenders to handle in an open game. Backing the hosts to cover the -1.5 handicap at 1.84 looks the clear play.

Prediction on total goals: Both teams to score at odds of 2.23

Fiorentina’s defence remains a work in progress. They have kept only one clean sheet in their last four matches. Benevento, meanwhile, scored in every summer friendly, including a 2–2 draw with Frosinone, a team preparing for a return to Serie A. Expect the visitors to find the net at the Stadio Franchi, making a bet on both teams to score – priced at 2.23 – a sensible secondary option.