Team News: Khouma Babacar returns for Fiorentina

Fiorentina have named Khouma Babacar in the starting lineup for their Serie A meeting with Empoli at the Artemio Franchi this afternoon.

The 22-year-old is selected to lead the line, with Matias Fernandez, Ante Rebic and Borja Valero expected to provide the support.

However, in-form duo Nikola Kalinic and Josip Ilicic are named among the substitutes, despite each player scoring in the Viola's 2-0 win over Sampdoria last time out.

Empoli, meanwhile, start with Marko Livaja and Massimo Maccarone in their attack, with playmaker Riccardo Saponara behind them in the midfield.

Fiorentina: Tatarusanu, Gonzalo, Tomovic, Vecino, Rebic, Astori, Fernandez, Suarez, Borja Valero, Alonso, Babacar

Empoli: Skorupski, Laurini, Saponara, Maccarone, Costa, Zielinski, Silva Duranbte, Tonelli, Paredes, Livaja, Buchel