Cremonese vs Fiorentina: prediction, head-to-head and probable line-ups – 16 March 2026
One of the pivotal matches in the battle for Serie A survival takes place on Monday in Cremona, where Cremonese will host Fiorentina at the Giovanni Zini Stadium. I’m backing a bet on the outcome of this showdown, where the stakes are sky-high for both teams, but the visitors are showing just a bit more spark at the moment.
Match preview
Cremonese head into this round in freefall, and the league table tells the tale without mercy. Davide Nicola’s side have picked up fewer points than any other team over the last 14 matchdays, and their latest defeat came against Lecce – a match filled once again with drama, controversial decisions, and a nervy finish.
Even more worrying is the hosts’ attack, which has been sputtering dangerously throughout 2026. Cremonese have scored just four goals in the calendar year, and they’ve now failed to find the net in four straight Serie A home games – the worst such run in the club’s top-flight history.
Fiorentina haven’t shaken off their own concerns, but at least there are signs of life in their performances. After a 0-3 loss to Udinese, they drew with Parma in the league, then snatched a dramatic win over Raków in the Conference League midweek, turning the match around after conceding first.
Crucially, despite a tough season, the Viola still seem to have a higher ceiling in terms of quality. Paolo Vanoli’s men have lost just one of their last five Serie A outings, and they already beat Cremonese in the reverse fixture back in January thanks to a late goal from Moise Kean. That should take the psychological pressure off for this away trip.
Probable line-ups
- Cremonese: Audero, Terracciano, Bianchetti, Luperto, Barbieri, Thorsby, Maleh, Vandeputte, Zerbin, Vardy, Bonazzoli
- Fiorentina: De Gea, Dodo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens, Brescianini, Fagioli, Mandragora, Parisi, Piccoli, Gudmundsson
Match facts and head-to-head
- Cremonese have collected fewer points than any other Serie A side over the last 14 rounds, with their last league win dating back to the end of 2025.
- Fiorentina come into this fixture off a draw with Parma in Serie A and a victory over Raków in the Conference League, keeping their European quarter-final hopes alive.
- In 13 previous Serie A meetings with Fiorentina, Cremonese have never won: seven defeats and six draws.
Prediction
Cremonese have been stuck in crisis mode for far too long, and their toothless attack means any mistake could be fatal. Fiorentina have their own issues – especially with the extra burden of European football – but right now, the visitors look like the more composed and confident side.
