11
Real Madrid vs Fiorentina: Predicted XI, Tactical Keys & Score Prediction
Real Madrid vs. Fiorentina: Your Complete Guide to the Preseason Friendly in Austria
Quick Note: This match takes place on Saturday, August 1, 2026 — right after the 2026 World Cup! Think of it as a "warm-up" game before the real season starts.
What’s Happening?
Real Madrid is packing their bags and heading to Klagenfurt, Austria for the next part of their summer training. Instead of practicing at their home base, they’ll play a friendly match against Italian side Fiorentina (nicknamed La Viola, which means "The Purple Ones").
ELI5: A "friendly" is like a practice game that doesn’t count for points — but both teams still want to win!
Match Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Klagenfurt, Austria |
| Stadium | Sportpark Klagenfurt |
| Date | Saturday, August 1, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT / 5:00 PM BST |
How to Watch
| Country | TV Channel / Streaming Service |
|---|---|
| United States | fuboTV, DAZN USA, Fox Deportes, Fox One |
| United Kingdom | DAZN UK |
| Canada | DAZN Canada |
Want more options? Check the full global broadcaster list here.
Why This Game Matters (Even Though It’s a Friendly)
For Real Madrid:
- They’ve already beaten Alcorcón and Leganés 4–1 in earlier friendlies.
- Federico Valverde scored two goals in the last game — he’s looking sharp!
- Most of their World Cup players are still on vacation, but Valverde, Arda Güler, and new signing Denzel Dumfries (from Inter Milan) will play.
- New striker Carlos Espí (21, scored 11 goals for Levante last season) could make his debut.
- Manager José Mourinho (yes, that Mourinho!) has picked a 21-man squad.
Injury Watch: Raúl Asencio (injured + out of favor), Éder Militão, and Thibaut Courtois are all out. Rodrygo isn’t expected back until late 2026.
For Fiorentina:
- They just finished a mini-tour in London: lost 3–2 to QPR, then beat Watford 1–0.
- Last season they nearly got relegated (dropped to the lower league) but survived at the end.
- New manager: Fabio Grosso — he helped Sassuolo get promoted last year.
- Their last trophy? The 2000–01 Coppa Italia — over 25 years ago!
- They reached the UEFA Conference League final two years in a row under previous coach Vincenzo Italiano.
- Key players: Moise Kean (ex-Everton), Radu Drăgușin, Álex Jiménez (both ex-Premier League), and Nicolò Fagioli (midfield star, once banned for gambling).
Score Prediction
Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Fiorentina
Madrid is easing into the season, but Fiorentina started earlier and could give them a real test.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Martínez, Huijsen, Carreras; Cestero, Camavinga; Valverde, Güler, Yáñez; Espí.
Fiorentina (4-2-3-1)
De Gea; Jiménez, Drăgușin, Ranieri, Fortini; Mandragora, Atta, Fagioli; Kean, Piccoli, Gudmundsson.
Note: Lineups are predicted — coaches often rotate heavily in friendlies.
A Blast from the Past
These two teams have only met once before — in the 1957 European Cup Final!
- Real Madrid won 2–0 at the Bernabéu.
- Crowd: 124,000 people (that’s like filling a stadium twice!).
- That was Fiorentina’s golden era — they’ve won very little since.
Summary: What You Need to Know
- Real Madrid vs. Fiorentina — preseason friendly in Austria.
- Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM BST.
- Watch on fuboTV/DAZN/Fox (US), DAZN (UK/Canada).
- Madrid missing many stars (World Cup rest), but Valverde, Güler, Dumfries, and new boy Espí play.
- Fiorentina under new boss Fabio Grosso, with ex-Premier League players throughout.
- First meeting since 1957 — Madrid won that one 2–0.
- Prediction: Madrid 2–1 Fiorentina.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Is this a real competition match?
No — it’s a preseason friendly. No trophies, no points. But players use it to get fit and impress the coach.
2. Why isn’t the full Real Madrid squad playing?
Most stars played in the 2026 World Cup this summer. They get extra vacation before the real season (La Liga) starts in August.
3. Who is Carlos Espí?
A 21-year-old striker who scored 11 goals in La Liga for Levante last season. Real Madrid just signed him — this could be his first appearance!
4. Why does Fiorentina have so many ex-Premier League players?
They’ve signed guys like Moise Kean (Everton), Radu Drăgușin, and Álex Jiménez — all with English league experience. It helps them compete in Serie A.
5. When was the last time these teams played?
1957 — the European Cup Final. Real Madrid won 2–0 in front of 124,000 fans. That’s 69 years ago!
Final Thought: Even though it’s “just a friendly,” this is a cool chance to see future stars, new signings, and two historic clubs meet for the first time in nearly 70 years. Grab a snack, tune in, and enjoy the show!
