After stumbling in a shock defeat against newly-promoted Cremonese on the opening weekend, AC Milan bounced back by winning five of their next six games, keeping five clean sheets in that run. That includes a 2-1 win over Napoli, and a draw against Juventus in Turin - two difficult fixtures during which the Rossoneri avoided defeat. 

It could have easily been six wins from six as well, as Christian Pulisic wasted a golden chance to put his side ahead against Juventus from the penalty spot. AC Milan racked up 1.74 xG to no avail in that game, conceding 1.13 xG in return. 

After a complete squad overhaul during the summer, Massimiliano Allegri has done an excellent job at getting his side to gel and look strong as a unit. As it stands, AC Milan are 3rd in the league, two points behind both Roma and Napoli, boasting the 2nd-best defensive record in the Italian top-flight.

Meanwhile, with a record of three draws and three losses from their six matches, Fiorentina are really struggling. They have scored just four goals so far this term, but have also been found wanting at the other end of the field. In fact, Fiorentina have allowed the 6th-most shots on target in the league - on average 37.5% of their opponents’ shots are hitting the target, which is not a stat to be proud of. 

It highlights how Fiorentina are offering very little defensive resistance when it comes to denying their opposition quality chances, and that is something AC Milan will look to exploit. The Rossoneri are averaging 16.5 shots per game, with 32.6% of those efforts hitting the target. They have drawn a total of 19 saves from their six league matches so far, so David de Gea looks set to be in for a busy night.

Christopher Nkunku is one of the AC Milan players who should be licking his lips at the prospect of this matchup. The striker is yet to start this campaign since arriving from Chelsea, but with Allegri having to contend with several key injuries in forward areas, this could be Nkunku’s time to shine. 

Christian Pulisic has struggled with injury this season, and his condition seems to have deteriorated over the international break. He was left out for USA’s friendly against Ecuador with apparent ankle swelling, before declaring himself fit to start against Australia. However, he lasted just 30 minutes before being substituted, so is unlikely to feature this weekend. 

Alexis Saelemaekers was another casualty of the international break, as he picked up an injury with Belgium, so Nkunku is likely to start upfront alongside Santiago Gimenez in this match.

Fiorentina might be low in the Serie A table, but they are near the top of the table for total fouls drawn. In fact, La Viola have drawn the 2nd-most fouls in the Italian top-flight this term. It was a similar story in the previous campaign as well - Fiorentina ranked 2nd for fouls won. 

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia has been a key contributor to that record, he has drawn eight infringements in just three starts. His midfield partner, Rolando Mandragora, has been equally adept at drawing contact in the middle of the park, averaging 2.12 fouls drawn per 90. 

Both players should find duels against Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan, who operates in midfield. The France international has already racked up eight fouls from six Serie A games, averaging 1.58 fouls per 90.