The Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence is set for a lively Sunday afternoon as Fiorentina host AS Roma in a Serie A clash that promises plenty of intrigue and drama. Both sides come into this encounter with something to prove—Fiorentina, still searching for their first league win of the season, and Roma, eager to shake off the sting of a recent Europa League defeat and maintain momentum under new manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
Kickoff is scheduled for 15:00 CET (14:00 BST) on October 5, 2025, and anticipation is running high among fans in Italy and abroad. Supporters in the UK and Ireland can catch the action live on TNT Sports 3 and DAZN, while viewers in the United States have the option to stream the match via Paramount+.
For Fiorentina, the return of Moise Kean to the starting lineup is a significant boost. The striker, whose presence has been eagerly awaited by the Viola faithful, is expected to lead the line as the club seeks to break its winless streak. Coach Stefano Pioli, under mounting pressure, has opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation that sees Pablo Marì, Marin Pongracic, and captain Luca Ranieri forming the backbone of the defense. Only Tariq Lamptey is unavailable due to injury, giving Pioli a nearly full-strength squad to select from.
Fiorentina’s probable lineup features David De Gea in goal, with Pongracic, Marì, and Ranieri in central defense. The midfield is set to include Dodò, Rolando Mandragora, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, and Robin Gosens, while Tommaso Fazzini and Albert Gudmundsson are expected to support Kean in attack. There is, however, a selection dilemma up front, as Gudmundsson faces competition from Roberto Piccoli, who recently earned his first call-up to the Italian national team—a testament to his rising profile.
On the opposite side, AS Roma enter the match with renewed determination following their 1-0 loss to Lille in the Europa League just days earlier. The Giallorossi are without Leon Bailey, whose muscular injury continues to delay his much-anticipated debut since arriving from Aston Villa, and Angelino, who is also sidelined. Despite these absences, Roma have reasons for optimism, not least the return of Paulo Dybala to the matchday squad. Dybala, having resumed training earlier in the week, may not start but could make an impact off the bench as he eases back from injury.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has some tough decisions to make, particularly in attack. Artem Dovbyk, who recently ended a scoring drought with a key goal against Hellas Verona, is favored to start up front ahead of Evan Ferguson. Matias Soulé, in fine form with two goals and an assist in his last five Serie A matches, is expected to provide creative spark alongside captain Lorenzo Pellegrini. In midfield, Manu Koné returns to the starting eleven, while Konstantinos Tsimikas steps in for Angelino on the left wing. The defense is likely to be marshaled by Svilar in goal, with Çelik, Gianluca Mancini, and Evan Ndicka as the central trio.
Roma’s probable lineup mirrors Fiorentina’s 3-4-2-1 shape: Svilar; Çelik, Mancini, Ndicka; Wesley, Koné, Bryan Cristante, Tsimikas; Soulé, Pellegrini; Dovbyk. Notably, Mario Hermoso and Wesley have both recovered from injury and are available for selection, offering Gasperini further tactical flexibility.
The stakes are high for both teams. Fiorentina, still without a win in the 2025-26 Serie A campaign, are desperate to deliver a performance that will ignite their season and appease a restless home crowd. The return of Kean and the leadership of Ranieri could be the spark they need, but much will depend on whether the midfield can assert control and provide the necessary service to the front line. “We know what’s at stake and we’re ready to fight for every ball,” said captain Luca Ranieri in the lead-up to the match, according to Sky Sport Italia.
Roma, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from European disappointment and continue their strong domestic form under Gasperini. The manager’s tactical acumen and willingness to rotate the squad have kept opponents guessing, and the return of Dybala adds another layer of unpredictability. “Having Paulo back is a huge boost for us. Even if he doesn’t start, his presence in the squad lifts everyone,” Gasperini told reporters on Saturday. The Giallorossi’s depth will be tested, particularly with key absences, but the likes of Soulé and Pellegrini have shown they can shoulder the creative burden.
One subplot to watch is the battle for the striker’s role at Roma. Dovbyk’s recent goal has given him the edge, but Ferguson remains a potent option off the bench. For Fiorentina, the emergence of Piccoli as an Italy international candidate adds further intrigue to their attacking options, especially as Gudmundsson looks to cement his place in the starting eleven.
Both teams’ lineups reveal subtle shifts in strategy. Fiorentina’s use of a three-man defense aims to provide solidity at the back, while Roma’s flexible wing-backs in Wesley and Tsimikas are expected to push high and stretch the play. The midfield contest between Mandragora and Cristante could prove decisive, as both players are known for their ability to dictate tempo and break up opposition attacks.
Fans tuning in from around the world will be treated to a tactical chess match, with individual brilliance likely to make the difference. The atmosphere at the Franchi is sure to be electric, as both sets of supporters sense the importance of this early-season fixture. For Fiorentina, a win would not only end their drought but also signal their intent to climb the table. For Roma, three points would reinforce their status as serious contenders and help erase memories of their recent European setback.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes are on Florence. With both sides boasting talent and ambition, and with key players returning from injury, the stage is set for a gripping encounter. Whether Fiorentina can finally secure that elusive first win or Roma can consolidate their domestic resurgence remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—the Serie A drama is far from over this Sunday afternoon.
