Fiorentina and Atalanta meet at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on matchday nine of Serie A, with both sides looking to halt a difficult start to the season. The two teams will go into the fixture short of confidence and facing significant selection problems, particularly in defence.

Fiorentina’s backline has been weakened by Marin Pongracic’s injury, suffered during the recent meeting with Inter. Luca Ranieri’s involvement is also still in doubt, while Fabiano Parisi and Arthur Atta remain unavailable as they continue their recoveries.

David de Gea is expected to start in goal, with Alex Jimenez, Radu Dragusin, Viery and Victor Valdepenas forming the defence.

Nicolo Fagioli, Cher Ndour and Marco Brescianini are the likely midfield trio, while Franco Mastantuono, Mateo Pellegrino and Alieu Njie are expected to lead the attack.

Fiorentina’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: David de Gea

Defenders: Alex Jimenez, Radu Dragusin, Viery, Victor Valdepenas

Midfielders: Nicolo Fagioli, Cher Ndour, Marco Brescianini

Forwards: Franco Mastantuono, Mateo Pellegrino, Alieu Njie

Atalanta travel to Florence with an even longer list of absentees. Raoul Bellanova went off injured last weekend, adding to the defensive problems already facing manager Maurizio Sarri.

Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, Sead Kolasinac, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Giorgio Scalvini and Giacomo Raspadori are also unavailable. The number of absences leaves Atalanta with limited options as they prepare for the ninth round of the Italian championship.

Marco Carnesecchi is set to keep goal, behind a defence of Davide Zappacosta, Thomas Kristensen, Relja Obric and Lorenzo Bernasconi.

Gianluca Gaetano, Charles De Ketelaere and Ederson are the expected midfielders. Eljif Elmas, Nikola Krstovic and Jonathan Rowe are in line to start in attack.

Atalanta’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Marco Carnesecchi

Defenders: Davide Zappacosta, Thomas Kristensen, Relja Obric, Lorenzo Bernasconi

Midfielders: Gianluca Gaetano, Charles De Ketelaere, Ederson

Forwards: Eljif Elmas, Nikola Krstovic, Jonathan Rowe

The match is due to take place shortly, with Fiorentina and Atalanta both seeking a result that could help change the direction of their early-season campaigns.

The listed odds make Fiorentina the favourites at 2.20. A draw is priced at 3.60, while an Atalanta victory is rated at 3.10.