Fiorentina assure controversial Zaniolo ‘deserves’ start against Roma | OneFootball

Fiorentina director Alessandro Ferrari assures Nicoló Zaniolo ‘deserves’ the opportunity to start against his old club Roma, even if he is bound to receive an angry reception.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT, 18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

There are some big surprises in the Fiorentina line-up, as the Viola are torn between their Serie A ambitions and preparing for the second leg of the Conference League semi-final against Real Betis.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – MAY 01: Luca Ranieri of Fiorentina celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Real Betis Balompie and ACF Fiorentina at Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 01, 2025 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“We have gone through a lot this season and it’s good to be in this situation,” director general Ferrari told Sky Sport Italia.

“Everyone has worked very hard, we can only congratulate the lads, the coach and President Rocco Commisso, for making it all possible.”

Zaniolo faces Roma fans again

epa11753858 Nicolo Zaniolo of Atalanta (C) scores the 0-2 goal during the Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC, in Rome, Italy, 02 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO

The changes include Zaniolo partnering Moise Kean rather than Albert Gudmundsson, while Cher Ndour and Amir Richardson also step in.

Considering his very ugly departure from Roma for Galatasaray, then the furious response when he scored at the Stadio Olimpico earlier this season for Atalanta and over-celebrated to earn a booking, do Fiorentina fear his presence could be a distraction?

“Nico deserves this opportunity, he always trains hard and tried to give his best when called upon. I am very happy for him.”

This is also a return to the Stadio Olimpico for ex-Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove, who is still waiting to see if his playing career can resume after cardiac issues.

Viola rue Stadio Franchi timing

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 30: Fans of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after goal of Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Atalanta at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 30, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Fiorentina are dealing with another fiery atmosphere after the passionate experience of playing Real Betis on Thursday.

They were beaten 2-1 there and unfortunately cannot count on a packed house in the second leg because the Stadio Artemio Franchi is undergoing reconstruction work.

“We had some incredible sensations on Thursday and again today. It is a bit of a handicap for us, but on Thursday we will need everyone and everything behind us,” concluded Ferrari.