- Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Fiorentina (Pre-Season Friendly)
- Date: Tuesday, 5 August 2025
- Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham
Match Preview
Nottingham Forest and Fiorentina meet at the City Ground for a pre-season friendly that promises fireworks as both teams gear up for competitive football later in August. The Reds, after an impressive Premier League campaign that saw them finish 7th, have been building consistency and attracting considerable attention in the transfer market. This fixture is an opportunity for Forest’s new signings and established stars to impress the home crowd against strong European opposition before league action resumes.
Forest’s most recent run of results has been mixed but highlights real progress. They closed last season with a tight 0-1 home loss against Chelsea, preceded by an away win (2-1) at West Ham—a performance built on resolute defending and swift transitions. Pre-season so far has featured a 3-1 defeat against Fulham, but also respectable draws against Monaco and Castellon, suggesting that manager Nuno Espírito Santo is experimenting with formations and integrating new faces into the line-up.
Fiorentina arrive in England after wrapping up another competitive Serie A campaign. They ended the Italian season with a three-match unbeaten streak, beating Udinese away (3-2) and Bologna at home (3-2), but did suffer a 2-1 loss to Venezia just prior. Their own warm-up matches have gone well: most recently, a 2-0 win against Carrarese and a 3-0 victory over Grosseto have put the Viola in a confident mood. However, fitness concerns and recent player absences are a test for new coach Stefano Pioli as he attempts to impose his philosophy quickly.
Both squads are not at full strength. For Nottingham Forest, Neco Williams has just recovered from an ankle issue, returning to play in the latest friendly. Nicolas Domínguez remains out with a long-term knee injury, and there are doubts about a couple of players with recent knocks, but the core of the starting XI remains intact. Fiorentina continue to miss star striker Moise Kean after his head injury earlier this year, and there are concerns around Albert Gudmundsson and Danilo Cataldi, who remain doubtful. Key creative players Lucas Beltrán and Nicolò Zaniolo are also expected to miss out due to suspensions, restricting Fiorentina’s attacking options.
Key Players
- Nottingham Forest: Morgan Gibbs-White shines as Forest’s creative hub in midfield, with Taiwo Awoniyi and providing pace and finishing up front. James Ward-Prowse’s set pieces could be crucial against a reorganised Fiorentina defence.
- Fiorentina: Jonathan Ikoné is expected to carry the offensive workload in the absence of suspended and injured players. Giacomo Bonaventura adds midfield guile and composure. Keep an eye on Andrea Colpani, likely to deputise in attack, and veteran Cristiano Biraghi at the back for stability.
Prediction
Expect a lively pre-season affair with both teams prioritising rhythm and tactical fluidity over results, but Forest look slightly better prepared given home advantage, better squad stability, and fewer key absentees. Fiorentina’s creativity may be limited without Kean, Beltrán, or Zaniolo, although their approach play should pose questions for Forest. A narrow home win, perhaps 2-1, looks on the cards.
Betting Markets (Fractional Odds)
| Market | Fractional Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest win | 6/4 | Bet Now |
| Fiorentina win | 2/1 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 9/4 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 goals | 4/5 | Bet Now |
| Both teams to score | 8/13 | Bet Now |
| Morgan Gibbs-White to score | 7/2 | Bet Now |
| Jonathan Ikoné to score | 4/1 | Bet Now |
Odds are indicative and may fluctuate; always check the latest before placing a bet.
This pre-season clash between Nottingham Forest and Fiorentina is the perfect curtain-raiser for fans starved of club football. With returning stars, tactical intrigue, and the adrenaline of a European test, both teams look primed to put on a show at the City Ground.
