Barcelona play their penultimate game of pre-season on Sunday when they face Fiorentina in the International Champions Cup in Florence.
The European champions have been in indifferent form so far this summer, while Fiorentina head into the match on the back of a victory over Benfica.
Fiorentina
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Fiorentina have suffered one defeat and earned one victory so far this summer, with their most recent result ending in a penalty-shootout triumph over Benfica in Connecticut.
The Serie A side have done modest business in the transfer window ahead of the new season, bringing in just three new faces in the form of defender Gilberto, midfielder Mario Suarez and goalkeeper Luigi Sepe.
Suarez joined La Viola from Atletico Madrid towards the end of July for an undisclosed fee, with Stefan Savic moving in the opposite direction.
Paulo Sousa's men start the new Serie A campaign at home to a resurgent AC Milan on August 22, so their clash with Barcelona will provide them with good preparation ahead of that high-profile opener against the Rossoneri.
Fiorentina enjoyed a solid campaign last term, sealing a fourth-place finish in the table and reaching the semi-finals of both the Coppa Italia and the Europa League. This season will be all about mounting a solid assault on the top three in order to secure Champions League qualification.
Recent form (all competitions): LWWWLW
Barcelona
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Barcelona have struggled for consistency this summer, losing two and winning one of their three fixtures so far.
Their tour of the USA ended in defeat earlier this week as they were beaten on penalties by Chelsea in Washington DC after the teams had played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Luis Enrique's side were also defeated 3-1 by Manchester United out in the States, though their trip across the Atlantic started positively with a 2-1 triumph over Los Angeles Galaxy.
With their first competitive game of the season coming against Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on August 11, Enrique will be eager to see his players get back in the winning habit quickly.
Despite an underwhelming tour of the USA, Enrique insisted after his team's defeat to Chelsea that he was happy with the progress he had seen from his squad while on the road.
The pressure is always on Barcelona to win, regardless of who the opposition is or what is at stake. While their clash with Fiorentina is just a warm-up fixture ahead of the new season, they will be expected to prevail. If they were to lose for the third time this summer, Enrique may start to look a touch concerned.
Recent form (all competitions): DWWWLL
Team News
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The likes of Manuel Pascal, Mario Gomez and Mario Suarez could all start for Fiorentina after being named on the bench for their recent win over Benfica.
La Viola are understood to have no fresh injury concerns.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is expected to name a strong side, though Brazilian defender Douglas is likely to miss out with a thigh problem.
Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba could earn recalls, while Luis Suarez is expected to feature in attack. Lionel Messi and Neymar remain absent due to their participation at the Copa America.
Fiorentina possible starting lineup:
Sepe; Tomovic, Rodriguez, Basanta; Joaquin, Ilicic, Suarez, Valero, Alonso; Gomez, Babacar
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Adriano, Pique, Mathieu, Bartra; Rakitic, Iniest, Busquets; Munir, Suarez, Pedro
Head To Head
Barcelona have the superior record when it comes to past meetings between these sides, winning three out of their six encounters. Fiorentina have earned a solitary victory, while there have also been two draws. Their most recent clash came back in November 1999 when a thrilling 3-3 draw was played out in Florence in the Champions League.
We say: Fiorentina 1-2 Barcelona
Fiorentina could well give Barcelona a run for their money, particularly as this game will be played in Florence, but it is hard to look beyond anything other than a win for Luis Enrique's men. As the new season edges closer, Barca will be eager to get firing on all cylinders and they should dispatch of Fiorentina on this occasion.
Jack Prescott
