Napoli lean towards Politano over Favasuli for Fiorentina trip

Three days before kick-off at the Franchi, the Napoli line-up Allegri is preparing for Fiorentina is taking shape. The main call in attack: after Favasuli's Serie A debut last Sunday against Bologna, where he set up Lobotka's goal, training-ground signs point to Politano, the vice-captain, starting instead.

There is no surprise in midfield. With McTominay and Anguissa still unavailable, Lobotka and Gilmour look set to continue together, completed by De Bruyne. The Belgian had cramp in the second half against Bologna but has recovered since, and his start at the Franchi is not in doubt.

Politano's return leaves the front three completed by Højlund as the lone striker and Lang starting on the left. Neres, who is building back his fitness, remains the main option to bring on during the game.

The forward line raises the same question as before: aside from Højlund, the only player to have scored more than once this season, Napoli's other attackers are still waiting for their first goal.

Napoli go to the Franchi tenth in the table on 6 points from 4 games, having beaten Bologna 1-0 to end a run of three straight defeats, against Como, Inter and Arsenal. Roma and Inter lead on 12 points, with Como and Lazio on 10. Kick-off is at 12:30 CET (11:30 UK) on Sunday 20 September, with Doveri refereeing. Fiorentina arrive off a 3-0 win over Pisa in the Coppa Italia (Italy's cup competition), with coach Vanoli considering starting Beto in place of Pellegrino.

Sunday's 12:30 kick-off will be the first real test of whether the Politano-Højlund-Lang front three can do what, so far this season, only the Dane has managed: score.