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Roma vs Fiorentina: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

Italy Serie A · Italy · 24 August 2026
Roma logoRoma
vs
24.08.2026 19:45
Fiorentina logoFiorentina

💡 Match preview Roma vs Fiorentina

By Tunde Ogundipe — Football expert covering Premier League, MLS, J1 League, and more

The opening weekend of the new Serie A campaign features a blockbuster clash at the Stadio Olimpico, where Roma host Fiorentina. For the hosts, this is a season of high ambition—they are preparing for a return to the Champions League after a seven-year absence. Their opponents, the Viola, are left without European distractions after a difficult previous campaign. Recent history strongly favors the Giallorossi: they have won each of the last three head-to-head meetings, making Fiorentina a comfortable opponent of late.

Tactical Analysis

Roma’s rocky pre-season and growing pains

Roma’s ticket to the Champions League was secured last season, and Gian Piero Gasperini now enjoys overwhelming support from both fans and club management. However, preparations for the new term have been far from smooth. Over the summer, the Romans played five friendly matches and won only one—a 4-1 victory over Newport, a side from the fourth tier of English football. Yet it would be a mistake to read too much into those results. Gasperini used the friendlies to build a robust physical base for a grueling campaign across three competitions. As a result, Roma looked sluggish in draws against Cannes (3-3) and Cardiff City (1-4), and in a loss to Brighton (0-3). The final warm-up match against Borussia Dortmund (2-2) told a different story: the team moved with far greater ease and occasionally unleashed their trademark high-intensity pressing.

The club brought in four new faces during the transfer window, but according to Italian media reports, only one is expected to start on opening day. World Cup winner Nahuel Molina, signed from Atlético Madrid, will slot straight into the problematic right wing-back role, while Wesley continues on the opposite flank. The other arrivals—Konstantinos Koulierakis, Rodrigo Mora, and Santiago Castro—are likely to begin on the bench and provide fresh legs in the second half. The heartbeat of Roma’s system remains Paulo Dybala. The experienced Argentine decided to extend his contract by another year and delivered a pre-season tally of 4 goals and 2 assists (4+2).

Fiorentina’s massive overhaul

Fiorentina’s last season was a struggle—they failed to win a single match in the first 15 rounds. Paolo Vanoli took over in November and managed to steer the team clear of relegation, but his contract was not renewed. Now the task of restoring the Viola to the elite of Italian football falls to Fabio Grosso, who impressed during his time at Sassuolo. Under the new coach, Fiorentina have switched to a single-striker system to maximize Moise Kean’s strengths, and they have abandoned man-marking in defense, instead meeting opponents in a mid-block. Their pre-season ended with two draws against La Liga sides of different calibers—Real Madrid (2-2) and Deportivo (1-1)—but their first official match, a Coppa Italia tie against Benevento (4-1), was a comfortable win.

This summer’s transfer window has been one of the most extensive for the Tuscan club in the 21st century. Grosso uses a 4-3-2-1 formation, and in the back four, only Luca Ranieri remains from the previous core. The new defensive unit is still learning to play together, and Fiorentina have conceded in each of their last three matches—even against a Serie B side. In possession, however, the Viola already look interesting. Krist Inao Ula and Arthur Atta contribute significantly, quickly moving the ball into the final third. The attack will become even more dangerous once Franco Mastantuono, on loan from Real Madrid, is fully integrated into the system. But the Argentine talent is likely to start the first league match on the bench.

Predicted Lineups

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar – Mancini, N’Dika, Hermoso – Molina, Cristante, Kone, Wesley – Soulé, Dybala – Malen

Out: Pellegrini (injury)

Head Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini

Fiorentina (4-3-2-1): De Gea – Jimenez, Dragusin, Ranieri, Valdepenas – N’Dour, Ula, Mandragora – Gudmundsson, Atta – Kean

Out: Parisi (injury)

Head Coach: Fabio Grosso

Referee

Matteo Marchenaro will take charge of this fixture. Last season, he established himself as one of the strictest officials in the league, averaging 4.08 yellow cards per match. He has refereed four matches involving Roma or Fiorentina, and in only one of those did he issue fewer than four cautions.

Prediction and Bet

Main bet: Roma to win at 1.67

Fiorentina’s new project looks promising on paper, but the first match of the Serie A season is not the ideal time to test it. The Tuscan side will face a stylistically awkward opponent. Grosso’s football relies on patient build-up play from the back, which creates a perfect environment for Gasperini’s trademark man-oriented pressing. It is no coincidence that last season, Grosso’s previous team, Sassuolo, lost both encounters with Roma. Moreover, the capital club has not lost a home match in official competition since January, and they have won four of their last five games at the Stadio Olimpico. Backing a Roma victory looks like a solid choice.

Goal bet: Both teams to score at 1.87

Defense remains a concern for the hosts. Roma conceded in all five of their summer friendlies, even against weaker opposition. Fiorentina, on the other hand, have found the net in each of their last seven matches across all competitions. This points toward both teams getting on the scoresheet.

Tunde Ogundipe
Tunde Ogundipe
Football expert covering Premier League, MLS, J1 League, and more

Tunde Ogundipe is a football expert with extensive experience analyzing top leagues including the Premier League, MLS, J1 League, Scottish Premiership, and the Johan Cruijff Shield. His analysis focuses on team form, player lineups, shot statistics, and tactical adjustments, with careful consideration of fixture congestion and travel. He approaches predictions with a disciplined, data-driven method, evaluating all relevant factors without overreliance on single metrics.

All articles by this author →

The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.

Probable lineups: Roma vs Fiorentina

Roma logoRoma3-4-2-1
Svilar
HermosoN'DickaMancini
WesleyKoneCristanteMolina
DybalaSoule
Malen
Out of squad:Pellegrini · Injury
Fiorentina logoFiorentina4-3-2-1
De Gea
ValdepeñasRanieriDragusinJiménez
MandragoraUlayiN'Dour
AttaGudmundsson
Keane
Out of squad:Parisi · Injury

Match odds Roma vs Fiorentina

Result (1X2)

X4.0511.6625.5

Double chance

1X1.17X22.31121.27

Both teams to score

No1.83Yes1.87

Over

11.0421.4432.5745.20.51.011.51.282.51.923.53.144.55.75

Under

18.122.731.4841.120.58.91.53.42.51.93.51.324.51.08

Handicap 1

01.2311-12.11-24.45-39.3-1.52.7-2.55.15

Handicap 2

03.8211.7321.1731-110.51.51.432.51.11

Correct score

0:08.90:113.250:2301:06.151:16.81:216.252:07.22:17.82:216.753:011.753:113.53:2284:0254:128

Predictions for Roma vs Fiorentina

SI Sani I. Under 2.5odds 1.91 Pending

Under 2.5 goals is the call for Roma vs Fiorentina in Serie A today. I'm confident this match stays low-scoring, with no more than two goals between them.

PN Peter Nwachukwu Result: 1odds 1.72 Pending

Roma vs Fiorentina — this one won’t be straightforward, but the capital side should grind out the win. I’m backing Roma to take all three points here, even if the match gets tight.

SN Sani Nwachukwu Correct score 2:1odds 7.80 Pending

Roma will take this one 2-1. Fiorentina are tough, but Roma's attacking edge should be enough to break through and get the win by that exact scoreline. The odds at 7.80 make this a sharp value pick for a specific result I'm confident will hit.

AB Abubakar Bello Over 2.5odds 1.94 Pending

This Serie A matchup between Roma and Fiorentina has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair. I'm backing the over 2.5 goals market here, and the 1.94 odds offer solid value. Both sides are typically attack-minded, and when these two meet, goals usually follow.

The history between these clubs suggests we can expect an open game with chances at both ends. With Roma's attacking quality at home and Fiorentina's ability to find the net on the road, I'm confident this one clears the 2.5 goal line without much trouble.

MO Musa Olaniyan Result: 1odds 1.72 Pending
JE Joseph Eze Over 2.5odds 1.94 Pending

Roma and Fiorentina meet in Serie A on August 24, and this one screams goals. Both sides are built to attack, not to sit back, so the likelihood of at least three strikes is very high. I’m backing the over 2.5 at 1.94 — a price that looks generous given the styles on display.

KO Kelechi Olaniyan Team 2 under 0.5odds 2.25 Pending

Roma should have enough to take the win here, and I also expect them to keep a clean sheet. Fiorentina’s attack doesn’t look sharp enough to break through, so backing the visitors to score under 0.5 goals at 2.25 makes solid sense.

VN Victor Nwachukwu Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.85 Pending
CA Chinedu Afolabi Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.86 Pending

Roma's track record against Fiorentina gives them a clear historical edge. That makes the handicap of -1.5 at 2.86 a solid pick — I expect them to win by at least two goals.

KT Kelechi Tanko Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.82 Pending

Roma’s pedigree against Fiorentina in this Serie A opener points to a comfortable win by at least two goals. The -1.5 handicap at 2.82 offers real value for a side that should dominate from the start. I’m backing the Giallorossi to cover that margin and nothing less.

AO Adewale Ojo Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.82 Pending

Fiorentina's away form has been consistently underwhelming, and that's the key factor behind my confidence in Roma covering a -1.5 handicap. The odds at 2.82 reflect a solid opportunity to back the hosts to win by at least two goals.

OS Olusegun Salami Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.87 Pending
KO Kunle Olawale Under 2.5odds 1.90 Pending

Roma’s home games in Serie A typically turn into tight, low‑scoring battles. I expect this one to follow the same script, so I’m backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.90.

CD Chibuzo Danjuma Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.87 Pending

This Serie A opener between Roma and Fiorentina has all the markings of a match where both teams find the net. Fiorentina looked sharp in preseason and come into this one with real attacking intent.

Roma will be pushed hard, and I don't see either side keeping a clean sheet. That's why I'm backing both teams to score at 1.87.

SN Stanley Nwosu Result: 1odds 1.68 Pending

The 1.68 on Roma to beat Fiorentina is exactly the kind of value I look for in an accumulator.

EM Emeka Madu Corners: Under 5.5odds 7.10 Pending
MA Musa Akintola Under 2.5odds 1.90 Pending

The Serie A clash between Roma and Fiorentina won't see more than two goals. I'm backing Under 2.5 at 1.90 — a straightforward call for a low-scoring affair.

M mrking85 Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.87 Pending

Roma being made such a clear favorite feels off to me. Fiorentina have a strong squad, and I'm sure they'll put one away. That's exactly why I'm backing both teams to score.

UA Uche Abdullahi Result: 1odds 1.68 Pending

Roma's preparation for the new season has been solid, and that's exactly why I'm backing them to start with a home win against Fiorentina. The Giallorossi look sharp, and at 1.68, this is a straightforward pick for me.

BW Biodun Waziri Result: 1odds 1.68 Pending
PB Peter Bankole Team 1 over 1.5odds 1.81 Pending

Roma’s home advantage and the support of their fans should be more than enough to see them through against Fiorentina. I’m backing the hosts to score at least twice in this Serie A fixture, and the 1.81 odds on that make it a solid play.

ML Musa Lamido Handicap 1 (-2)odds 4.60 Pending

Roma's last meeting with Fiorentina ended in a 4-0 demolition — a result that probably still stings for the visitors. I wouldn't be surprised if history repeats itself, because the gap between these sides feels just as wide now. Fiorentina haven't shown me anything to suggest they'll keep it close this time either.

That's why I'm backing Roma with a -2 handicap at 4.60. It's a bold line, but after that thrashing, another three-goal margin looks entirely plausible.

AE Adewale Eze Over 4odds 5.25 Pending

Roma and Fiorentina kick off their Serie A campaigns, and I’m expecting a goal-fest. The hosts are heavy favorites, but their defense is leaky even at home, and they’re likely to concede at least once while still winning comfortably. Last season, Roma finished third and pushed for second, while Fiorentina barely escaped relegation in 15th. That gap in class should show on the pitch.

Fiorentina has ambitions to climb back into the European spots, but their away defense remains a major weakness. Roma can easily put three or more past them. At the same time, Roma’s backline isn’t rock-solid, so the visitors should find the net too. Over 4 goals at 5.25 is the call here.

AO Adewale Oni Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.87 Pending
MM Musa Mohammed Under 2.5odds 1.90 Pending

The Serie A meeting between Roma and Fiorentina is unlikely to turn into a goal fest. I'm confidently backing under 2.5 goals here.

SA Samuel Adebayo Team 1 over 1.5odds 1.81 Pending

Roma versus Fiorentina in Serie A, and I'm backing the home side to score at least twice. The odds of 1.81 make this a solid value play.

Roma's attacking strength at the Stadio Olimpico should be enough to breach Fiorentina's defense. With the quality in their forward line, backing them to net over 1.5 goals feels like the right call for this matchup.

SS Samuel Sani Result: 1odds 1.68 Pending
WW Wale Waziri Team 1 over 1odds 1.26 Pending
BO Biodun Oyelaran Under 4.5odds 1.08 Pending
UA Usman Adeyemi Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 2.69 Pending

Roma covering a -1.5 handicap at home against Fiorentina looks like the right call. If they can't get it done in front of their own fans, then when? I'm backing them to win by at least two goals.

BI Babatunde Igwe Corners: Over 10.5odds 2.64 Pending

The corner count in this Serie A meeting between Roma and Fiorentina should clear the 10.5 line. At 2.64, that outcome is priced higher than it should be, so I'm taking the over.

SB Sani Balogun Under 0.5 (1st half)odds 2.88 Pending

Roma and Fiorentina might just play out a goalless first half in this Serie A clash. At 2.88, the odds on no goals before the break look generous for a fixture where the opening 45 minutes could easily stay tight.

Match poster

Roma vs Fiorentina — odds

❓ Frequently asked questions

When and where is the Roma vs Fiorentina match?

The match takes place on 24 August 2026 at 19:45 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome as part of the Serie A opening weekend.

Who are the key absentees due to injury?

Roma will be without midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, while Fiorentina are missing defender Fabiano Parisi.

What is the main betting prediction for this match?

The key prediction is a Roma win (Result: 1) with a coefficient of 1.72.

How have the teams performed in pre-season?

Roma won only one of five friendlies, looking sluggish early but improving against Borussia Dortmund. Fiorentina drew with Real Madrid and Deportivo, then won their Coppa Italia match against Benevento 4-1.

Who is the referee and what is his style?

Matteo Marchenaro is the referee. He is one of the strictest officials in Serie A, averaging 4.08 yellow cards per match.