There is little time left until the highly anticipated first matchday of Serie A 2024-2025. Fiorentina’s journey will begin on Saturday, August 17, at Parma’s home ground, an ambitious newly promoted team that returns to the top flight after three seasons in the lower divisions.
The Viola, whose squad cannot yet be defined as complete—with arrivals still to be finalized (Gudmundsson) and possible departures (Nico González)—will aim to start the new era led by Raffaele Palladino on the right foot in the match at the Tardini. However, they will need to be cautious as the Ducals have two years of work with Fabio Pecchia and his staff behind them. Despite the changes brought on by the summer transfer market, they are definitely a more seasoned team compared to their Florentine counterparts.
The officiating for the match has been entrusted to Mr. Giovanni Ayroldi from the Molfetta section. The Apulian referee will be assisted by Baccini and Dei Giudici, with Rutella as the fourth official, and Mariani (VAR) and Mazzoleni (AVAR) in the video room.
How Parma is Arriving
Fabio Pecchia will not be able to count on injured players Hernani, Benedyczak, Charpentier, and Bonny, as well as the suspended Delprato. The formation the Crociati will use is expected to be 4-2-3-1. In goal, the newcomer Suzuki is likely to be preferred over Chichizola, while the defense will consist of the central duo Circati-Balogh (preferred over Osorio, who limped out of the Coppa Italia match), alongside full-backs Woyo Coulibaly and Valeri. In midfield, Estevez and Sohm are expected to play, while the trequartista position will see Man and Partipilo on the flanks, with Bernabé acting as an attacking midfielder behind Mihaila, who will play as a false nine.
How Fiorentina is Arriving
In Raffaele Palladino’s list of call-ups, besides the suspended Ranieri, neither Nico González nor Christensen is present, presumably both for market reasons. It is still early to see de Gea in action; in goal will be Terracciano, fresh off a renewal. In defense, Pongracic will be the central defender, alongside braccetti Martínez Quarta and Biraghi. Dodô on the right and Parisi on the left will occupy the flanks, while in midfield, Mandragora is certain of a starting spot, with the other position likely going to the recovered Amrabat. In attack, behind Kean, Colpani seems certain to start, while there is a battle for the other position on the trequartista line between Kouame and Sottil.
Parma-Fiorentina: Probable Line-ups
PARMA (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; W. Coulibaly, Circati, Osorio, Valeri; Estevez, Sohm; Man, Bernabé, Partipilo; Mihaila. Coach: Pecchia
FIORENTINA (3-4-2-1): Terracciano; Martínez Quarta, Pongracic, Biraghi; Dodô, Mandragora, Amrabat, Parisi; Colpani, Sottil; Kean. Coach: Palladino
Referee: Ayroldi
Assistants: Baccini – Dei Giudici
Fourth Official: Rutella
VAR: Mariani
AVAR: Mazzoleni
Parma-Fiorentina: Where to Watch on TV and Streaming
The match between Parma and Fiorentina on the 1st matchday of Serie A 2024-2025 will be available for streaming on Dazn and on TV on Dazn 2 (Sky channel 215).