The program of the Italian Cup round of 16 continues, putting it on stage Fiorentina-Empoli. An important challenge from many points of view, between two teams who – also due to the territorial rivalry – will certainly not hold back. Whoever wins the Tuscan derby will challenge the winner of Juventus-Cagliari, scheduled for Tuesday 17 December. Appointment at 9.00 pm at the stadium Artemio Franchi of Florence, the challenge is directed by Mr. Antonio Giua of Olbia.
HOW FIORENTINA ARRIVES – It’s impossible for the Viola not to think about what happened to Edoardo Bove, in the 17th minute of Sunday’s match against Inter. After the first moments of terror, the boy’s condition progressively improved and it was he himself who convinced his teammates to play today against Empoli (a match clearly at risk until Monday). Palladino and his team will therefore have one more reason to try to beat their rivals from Empoli, as well as honoring the Italian Cup to the maximum, which in recent editions has always seen the Viola in the final or semi-final. Several rotations in the coach’s 4-2-3-1, with the young Martinelli between the posts and in front of a defense made up of Kayode, Comuzzo, Pongracic and Parisi. Midfield entrusted to Adli and Cataldi, while up front Kouamé will give breathing space to Kean and will be supported by a trio with Ikoné and Sottil on either side of Beltran.
HOW EMPOLI ARRIVES – Quickly dismiss the bad day against Milan and prove, as has often happened in recent years, a difficult rival for Fiorentina. Empoli enters the Tuscan derby of the Italian Cup with this dual objective and, to try to achieve it, D’Aversa should not resort to too large a turnover (also due to the many injuries that impose certain choices). However, in the Italian 3-5-2 one of the few new features should be between the posts, with Seghetti preferred to Vasquez. In front of the class of 2005, space for the defensive trio made up of Goglichidze (undermined by Marianucci), Ismajli and Viti. Chance from the 1st minute on the left for Cacace, with Gyasi on the other side while Maleh, Henderson and Anjorin in the middle of the field. Up front, Esposito could take Pellegri’s place, playing alongside Colombo. However, it is not excluded that the former Monza and Lecce player leaves his place to Ekong.