Serie A

By Hugo Brennan

Sunday’s lunchtime trip to the Franchi is beginning to define Allegri’s week, with Fiorentina awaiting at 12.30 and selection decisions still being kept inside the training ground. Morning sessions have suited both the routine and the match schedule, while the coach weighs one late fitness concern and prepares his side without changing the defensive plan.

Key takeaways

  • Allegri’s team will face Fiorentina at the Franchi on Sunday, with kick-off set for 12.30.
  • Anguissa is the only injured player who may still be available for the match.
  • The midfielder trained separately in the gym on Thursday, making his prospects increasingly uncertain.
  • Tactical work has taken priority during the build-up, with a practice match scheduled for Friday.
  • A four-man defence remains the firm foundation of Allegri’s intended line-up.

Allegri keeps the selection picture closed

There is still no public outline of the starting XI, and Allegri intends to preserve that uncertainty for as long as possible. He has his own ideas, but the squad is receiving them gradually rather than through an early declaration of the team.

The work on the pitch has been principally tactical, while Friday’s internal match may offer a few signs about the side being prepared for Florence. Even so, Allegri is not expected to reveal much before Sunday, preferring to keep competition alive across the group through the final sessions.

One aspect is already settled. There is no plan to abandon the back four, which will remain the chosen defensive structure for the Franchi appointment.

Anguissa faces a narrow window

The main uncertainty sits in the medical room, where Allegri is monitoring Anguissa. Of the injured players, he is the sole member of the group with a realistic chance of contributing against Fiorentina.

That possibility has not yet become encouragement. Anguissa completed an individual gym programme on Thursday rather than rejoining full team training, and the mood around his availability has become less positive. Three days remain before the fixture, enough time for a late improvement but not much margin for delay.

The next sessions will therefore carry two purposes: finalising the details of a side built on its established defensive shape, and deciding whether Anguissa can move from rehabilitation into Sunday’s plans.

SEO Title: Allegri waits on Anguissa before Fiorentina at the Franchi

SEO Description: Allegri prepares for Sunday’s 12.30 Serie A match at Fiorentina, with Anguissa still training separately and a four-man defence set to remain in place.