Sassuolo v Fiorentina is a meeting of two sides sitting 15th and 17th, and I think the useful angle is that they are bleeding goals in different ways. Sassuolo have conceded 22 in nine, with the 2-6 against Lazio just six days ago, while Fiorentina have scored only 11 and are on one win. So I'd ask whether Sassuolo's open games finally meet an opponent without the firepower to punish them.
Sassuolo first. Our availability list has Boloca, Leysen, Kone and Paz out, and Thorstvedt newly listed as suspended, so the midfield is being asked to cover again. Their last five league results are L, L, L, D, L, and the 6-2 loss at home came after a 0-2 at Como. Idzes is marked available in our data.
Fiorentina's side is a different problem: Pongracic, Ranieri, Atta, Parisi and Sottil are all out, which leaves the back line thin exactly where Sassuolo concede most. Their recent league run is D, L, L, L, D, including a 2-2 with Atalanta four days ago and a 1-2 loss at Inter. They have had fewer rest days than the hosts.
My read is that the game turns on tempo. If Fiorentina's short back line is stretched early, Sassuolo's leaky shape could still get a score, but a flat, cautious first half would suit the visitors who cannot afford to chase. I would not take form as a guide here, because neither side has any.
