Founded: 1926 (AC Fiorentina), 2002 (ACF Fiorentina)
Nickname(s): Viola, Gigliati
Stadium: Stadio Artemio Franchi Firenze (47,282)
Chairman: Andrea Della Valle
Coach: Claudio Cesare Prandelli
Website: http://it.violachannel.tv/

Colours:



Honours:

Serie A: 1955–56; 1968–69
Coppa Italia: 1939–40; 1960–61; 1965–66; 1974–75; 1995–96; 2000–01
SuperCoppa Italiana: Winners : 1996
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1960–61
Mitropa Cup: 1966
Anglo-Italian League Cup: 1975
Serie C2 B: 2003

Squad:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiorentina#Current_squad

Serie A Week 33 - 25/4/09 (19.30 UK)

Fiorentina 4 - 1 Roma

Vargas 6 (F), Gilardino 47, 67 (F), Gobbi 73 (F), Baptista 86 ®

Stadio Franchi

Roma can wave goodbye to the Champions League after Alberto Gilardino's brace helped humiliate them 4-1 in Florence.

The tension was sky high in this head-to-head for fourth place and just three points separated them following last week's 3-2 win over Lecce and the Viola's defeat at Udinese. A draw would only favour Genoa, who were already ahead of them in that Champions League spot. Intense rivalry also exists between these sides and there was some trouble outside the stadium before kick-off, as 2,000 ticketless Roma supporters travelled for the game.

Adrian Mutu, Mario Alberto Santana, Martin Jorgensen and the suspended Felipe Melo were out for the home side, who adopted a 4-2-3-1 system with Juan Manuel Vargas in a more advanced position. The Giallorossi missed Alexander Doni, Simone Perrotta, Cicinho, Alberto Aquilani, Jeremy Menez, Mirko Vucinic, Juan, Vincenzo Montella and the banned Philippe Mexes, but Francesco Totti recovered from a knee twinge to start.

Fiorentina broke through in truly spectacular fashion just six minutes in with Vargas! He certainly seemed to enjoy this more advanced role, as he cut in and smashed a left-foot screamer from 30 yards that flew into the near bottom corner, clocked at 109km/h.

Alberto Gilardino's overhead kick was deflected into Artur's arms off an arm, but they were extremely close together. Roma fought back with Matteo Brighi sliding in to meet David Pizarro's cross from six yards, but incredibly ballooned over the bar.

Rodrigo Taddei and Marco Motta drilled just wide, but Fiorentina wanted a penalty when Daniele De Rossi came sliding in to pluck the ball off Jovetic's foot, but the replays are inconclusive.

Christian Panucci's header from a corner whistled off target and Baptista was stopped for an incorrect offside position. The former Arsenal man also fell between two Viola shirts, but seemed to lose his balance.

Brighi really should've equalised on 38 minutes when Totti threaded a pass through three defenders to send him clear in the box, but he scuffed it with the outside of his right foot and missed an open goal.

In first half stoppages Franco Semioli knocked it down for Gilardino in the D, but he hit a fresh-air shot. Jovetic was angry when he was body-checked by Marco Cassetti - who had already been booked - to interrupt a very dangerous counter-attack, but the referee waved play on.

Fiorentina made it 2-0 just 120 seconds after the restart. It was a wonderful team move, as Jovetic volleyed with his back to goal to send Semioli down the right and Cassetti was caught out by the cross, allowing Gilardino a free header.

It was almost 2-1 a minute later when Brighi got into the box and drew three defenders around him only to slide-rule pass it for the on-rushing Baptista, denied by a Manuel Pasqual goalline clearance!

Gilardino spun round between two defenders around the six-yard box to leave them stranded, but Pizarro came flying in to disturb his shot and Artur parried from point-blank range.

Cassetti was unlucky not to get Roma back into it on 57 minutes when a Pizarro free kick was cleared to the edge of the area for Cassetti's volley into the ground, which bounced over Frey and on to the bar.

The tension escalated moments later with Pizarro's second bookable offence for going forehead-to-forehead with Semioli. Both players were carded, but the Roma player was already on a yellow. Pizarro became the 12th Giallorossi man sent off this season.

Luciano Spalletti introduced Roma youth product Marco D'Alessandro for Taddei, but Cassetti also risked a second yellow for a sliding tackle on Jovetic.

Gilardino sprung the offside trap and cut back to commit Cassetti, keeping his cool with a delicate finish past Artur off the outside of his right foot. Marco Motta kept everyone in play, but Cassetti was turned in the box.

Baptista's diving header from a D'Alessandro cross whistled wide. Jovetic was substituted and given a standing ovation from the Stadio Franchi following by far his best performance in the Fiorentina jersey.

Curiously, substitute Massimo Gobbi scored with practically his first touch! Gilardino would have scored had Artur not parried his header, but Gobbi got on to the loose ball from four yards.

Yet 10-man Roma went very close to a goal from a corner, as Motta's overhead flick brought a desperate save out of Frey.

Baptista did pull one back with a solo effort, as he cut in from the left flank to smash a powerful right-foot angled drive under Frey's body.

Fiorentina: Frey; Comotto, Gamberini, Dainelli, Pasqual; Donadel, Montolivo; Semioli, Jovetic (Gobbi 72), Vargas (Kuzmanovic 52); Gilardino (Bonazzoli 80)

Roma: Artur; Motta, Panucci, Riise, Cassetti (Tonetto 80); De Rossi, Pizarro; Brighi, Taddei (D'Alessandro 63), Baptista; Totti

Ref: Banti

Sent off: Pizarro 59 ®

-------------

Fiorentina looked very good in attack in this game, they look a good bet for the 4th place.

Apparently Wolfsburg are tracking Adrian Mutu. They already have Cristian Zaccardo and Andrea Barzagli on their books and might try to sign another player from the peninsular.

Viola plan stadium experiment



Fiorentina will remove the nets and the barriers between the fans and the pitch next season, according to the local police commissioner.

The move is a gesture of fair play and shows the level of trust between the Della Valle family and the club's supporters.

Parapets of around 1.5m in height will replace the nets that have long obscured the view of the pitch from the Curva.

“In a letter sent to the council on March 31 we have signalled that, in light of the positive behaviour shown by the fans, the separators that divide the stands from the pitch can disappear,” Francesco Tagliente said.

“We are developing the project commissioned by the chief of police, Antonio Manganelli. We want to bring families back to the stadium.

“In recent matches 10s of children from two to six years old have been able to play in the space between the Curva Fiesole and the pitch.

“We have had permission from the Observatory to host 15 pushchairs in a sector of the Curva and they will be taken care of by the stewards.

“But, from next season, a project desired both by Fiorentina and the council will begin that hopes to see a nursery attached to the stadium.”

Tagliente also revealed that the police are working with the club to hand security matters over to the stewards.

“At Empoli, we have already adopted this form of security for six or seven games. Let me show you the data,” he said.

“When Empoli played Genoa on May 21 2005 in Serie B there were five police officials, 276 agents and 250 carabinieri.

“In a recent and delicate match between Empoli and Frosinone, there were only two police officials in place plus an official from the carabinieri.

“Around 30 agents were available to the city and ready to intervene at the stadium if at all necessary. The same has happened during Fiorentina - Torino and Fiorentina - Cagliari.”

Italian football has been rocked by crowd trouble and stadium violence in recent years, making this initiative especially welcome.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may6o.html

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Sounds like they are really doing good things in Tuscany, hopefully the south of Italy can follow suit. Tuscans are great people of course anyway

Fiorentina target Matri



Fiorentina director of sport Pantaleo Corvino is reportedly considering a bid for in form Cagliari striker Alessandro Matri.

The 24-year-old has mainly featured as a substitute this season, but appears to have the goalscoring touch.

Matri has only started on 12 occasions for Cagliari in 2008-09, however, he has managed to score on six occasions.

The precocious youngster, who was a talented cyclist in his teens, still has two years to run on his contract.

Matri grew up in the Milan academy and is still part-owned by the Rossoneri, though Cagliari have the option to buy him outright this summer.

The rest of his contract is believed to be worth £2.5m and Fiorentina would only be too happy to step in if Cagliari don't make the payment.

Corvino feels Matri would be an excellent understudy to Alberto Gilardino, who needs a rest every now and again.

Matri's habit of coming off the bench and his pleasure in starting there makes him the perfect squad player.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may14d.html

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It's good to see these players drop down from the big clubs and then make their way back up again. Matri is a good play and needs to play though, unless La Viola are indeed selling Adrian Mutu then he will surely struggle for games.

Crespo 'signs for Viola'



The latest reports in Italy suggest that Inter outcast Hernan Crespo has signed for Fiorentina.

The Argentine ace has been banished to a peripheral role under Jose Mourinho this term.

While Crespo had stressed that he would be happy to sign a new deal with the Nerazzurri this summer, the leaders seem happy to let him leave.

Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has revealed that he has already made his first signing of the summer, but has refused to disclose the name.

According to today's edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Crespo is Mr X and has accepted a drastic pay cut to ply his trade in Tuscany next term.

Crespo is expected to sign a two-year deal worth just £500,000 per season - a fraction of his Inter wage.

The former Chelsea man's agent admitted yesterday that a Serie A side had all but secured his services but would only confirm that the team in question weren't Roma.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may15f.html

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I guess if they can get him fairly cheaply he would be a good alternative to Gilardino.

Serie A Week 37 - 24/5/09 (14.00 UK)

Lecce 1 - 1 Fiorentina

Tiribocchi 50 (L), Jorgensen 89 (F)

Stadio Via Del Mare


This draw and results elsewhere mean Fiorentina could finish third or fourth in the final round, but Lecce are relegated.

The Salentini were already resigned to their fate, but wanted to wave goodbye to the home fans with dignity. It was no easy task, as Fiorentina needed a point to celebrate Champions League preliminary round qualification and were hot on the heels of Juventus in third.

Gigi De Canio had Dimitrios Papadopoulos, Axel Konan and Tiziano Polenghi suspended, while Gianni Munari, Schiavi, Antunes and Angelo were injured. The Viola missed Adrian Mutu, Mario Santana and Emiliano Bonazzoli.

The Tuscans had only ever won here once in Serie A, in 2005-06, around five draws and four defeats.

Stevan Jovetic volleyed a Franco Semioli cross wide of the back post, then was closed down in another fine move set up by Alberto Gilardino. It was very similar to the goal Gila created for Alessandro Del Piero in the 2006 World Cup semi-final against Germany.

Lecce were in it too, though, as Sebastien Frey flew to palm away a dangerous Zanchetta free kick. The home side should've been in front on 25 minutes when Zanchetta sprung the offside trap and rolled across for the totally unmarked Javier Castillo. Frey was on the ground, he was seven yards out - and missed!!! It was one of the howlers of the season.

Castillo wasted another golden opportunity by firing straight at Frey in a one-on-one, while the goalkeeper parried Luca Ariatti's close-range effort.

Gilardino had penalty appeals waved away for a Fabiano shirt-tug in first half stoppages.

Lecce were the ones to break the deadlock with Simone Tiribocchi, who out-sprinted the two defenders and placed a delicate lob over the on-rushing Frey.

Tiribocchi's volley was into Frey's arms, then the striker was halted for a dubious offside flag as he curled inches past the far post. Felipe Melo's free kick drilled just wide of the upright.

Tiribocchi was wreaking havoc in the Viola defence and flashed another shot across the face of goal. At the other end Rosati needed a great save to keep Fiorentina behind, parrying Gilardino's effort. Gila also hit the crossbar, but had already been flagged offside.

Juan Vargas got a glancing header to a cross from the left that just moved the ball off target enough to ruin Gilardino's volley.

Felipe Melo was sent off for dissent, but Fiorentina still managed to equalise with 10 men! Martin Jorgensen's pass ended up coming off Edinho to create the space and he tapped in from point-blank range.

Lecce fought back and Frey had his palms stung by a close-range effort from Fabiano.

Lecce: Rosati, Ariatti, Fabiano, Esposito, Giuliatto; Zanchetta (Caserta 88), Giacomazzi, Edinho, Vives (Basta 88); Tiribocchi, Castillo (Cacia 80)

Fiorentina: Frey; Comotto, Kroldrup (Dainelli 46), Gamberini, Pasqual; Felipe Melo, Montolivo; Semioli, Jovetic (Jorgensen 79), Vargas (Donadel 93); Gilardino

Ref: Gava

Sent off: Felipe Melo

----------------------

This was a blow to La Viola, although they can push Milan down to fourth if they beat them by two clear goals on the last day.

Fiorentina finished the season in 4th place ahead of Genoa on better head to head record, in spite of losing to Milan in the final game of the season.

They now go into the Champions League playoff draw where they could potentially face a tricky test against a top 4 side from on of the other leading leagues.

Recently linked players for La Viola:

- Rolando Bianchi
- Oleguer
- Sergio Pellissier
- Fernando Tissone
- Massimo Gobbi
- Nicolas Frey

Fiorentina get new stadium backing

The newly elected mayor of Florence Matteo Renzi says he will collaborate with Fiorentina on a project to build a new stadium.

The Viola are one of the most forward thinking clubs in Italy and have already drawn up impressive plans for the ground, which will replace the Artemio Franchi.

“A requalification of the Campo Marte area, where the current Fiorentina stadium lies, is foreseen,” Renzi explained in a speech.

“My office is now looking across Florence for four possible places where a new ground for Fiorentina could be built, according to the details presented to me by the Della Valle brothers last October.

“It will be difficult to realise the project foreseen by the owners of Fiorentina because in Florence there are few free spaces, but before the start of next season it will be my job to submit four possible places where Fiorentina's new stadium can be built,” Renzi concluded.

The Viola have an excellent relationship with Renzi, who recently gave them the go ahead to take down the wire and other partitions blocking the fans' view of the pitch.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun23d.html

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Good news for La Viola, I like the Franchi but teams need new grounds and to own them.

Della Valle 'couldn't say no to Juve'



Fiorentina President Andrea Della Valle admits he “could not say no” when arch rivals Juventus offered £21.5m for Felipe Melo.

The club had originally tried to sell him to Arsenal, but when the bid was raised to the price on the buy-out clause of the contract, including winger Marco Marchionni, negotiations with the Turin giants reached a head.

“Such a big offer only came from Juve,” said the patron. “I understand what that club means to Fiorentina fans, but I couldn’t hold the player back with a pay rise. We could not say no to Juve.

“The money from Melo’s sale will be reinvested as soon as [director of sport Pantaleo] Corvino finds the right option.”

Viola supporters are furious that one of their favourites has been sold to their rivals, but Della Valle insists they’ve earned the right to make these decisions.

“We deserve credit for what we have done in the last few years. I can’t stand reading these banners and graffiti. In tough economic times, the real foundation of a club is its President, not its players.

“We will continue to invest and Corvino did well to sell Melo for that price, as when he arrived here a year ago nobody knew who he was. Let us all calm down and believe in this Fiorentina.

“If the fans don’t want us in charge, then they should start a petition, otherwise we will continue along our path.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul16b.html

Eboué close to Fiorentina



Fiorentina have almost sewn up a deal with Arsenal for Emmanuel Eboué, the Ivory Coast international right-back.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the two clubs have agreed an initial fee of between €9m and €10m for the 26-year-old.

Fiorentina have long been admirers of Eboué. The Viola tried to insert him into a deal for Felipe Melo when Arsenal were interested in the Brazilian.

Pantaleo Corvino, the Fiorentina director of sport, is particularly pleased as Eboué has a Belgian passport, meaning there is still space to sign a non-EU player ahead of next season.

A formal announcement confirming the deal has yet to be made, but Eboué's agent, Pascal Boisseau says it is just a matter of time.

“In the next few days we will speak with Arsenal about Emmanuel's future. He is fine in London, but we will see,” Boisseau told fiorentina.it.

“Fiorentina are not the only team who like the player. There are also some Spanish teams. Actually there is nothing new to report. We will know more in the next few days,” he concluded.

http://www.football-italia.net/jul24i.html

Fiorentina close in on Salvio



Fiorentina look set to beat off competition from some of Europe's biggest clubs to sign 19-year-old striker Eduardo Salvio.

After talks with Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Inter, the highly rated youngster is now reportedly very close to moving to Tuscany.

Salvio exploded into life last season, scoring nine goals in 29 appearances for Lanus in the Argentine championship.

According to itasportpress.it, Fiorentina director of sport Pantaleo Corvino is drawing up an offer worth £10m for the player.

The Viola have a fine tradition of signing Argentine strikers, the most notable being Gabriel Batistuta, who scored so many goals the fans erected a statue of him while he was still playing for the club.

http://www.football-italia.net/jul24c.html

I've heard some really great things about Salvio, he will be good for Fiorentina.

Eboué seems overpriced.

Fiorentina Mercato 2009-10

IN:

(D) Manuel Da Costa (POR) - Sampdoria - loan return
(M) Di Tacchio (ITA) - Ascoli - p/e
(F) Boadu Maxwell Acosty (GHA) - Reggiana - undisclosed
(D) Cesare Natali (ITA) - Torino - undisclosed
(M) Marco Marchionni (ITA) - Juventus - €4.5m
(G) Tommaso Scuffia (ITA) - Maceratese - undisclosed
(D) Lorenzo De Silvestri (ITA) - Lazio - €6m
(F) Savio Nsereko (GER) - West Ham United - exchange


OUT:

(D) Luciano Zauri (ITA) - Lazio - loan return
(F) Emiliano Bonazzoli (ITA) - Sampdoria - loan return
(G) Marco Storari (ITA) - AC Milan - loan return
(F) Arturo Lupoli (ITA) - Ascoli - p/e
(D) Ondřej Mazuch (CZE) - Anderlecht - loan
(M) Felipe Melo (BRA) - Juventus - €25m
(D) Da Costa (BRA) - Eupen - undisclosed
(F) Matthias Lepiller (FRA) - Eupen - loan
(F) Jefferson (BRA) - Frosinone - loan
(M) Franco Semioli (ITA) - Sampdoria - undisclosed
(F) Samuele Di Carmine (ITA) - Gallipoli - loan
(D) Manuel Da Costa (POR) - West Ham United - exchange

Corvino hails Viola youth



Fiorentina director Pantaleo Corvino believes the future of the club lies upon the youngsters in the Viola youth ranks.

Corvino has been working hard to make their youth teams amongst the best in the country and his efforts are starting to pay off.

“We are getting there, finally we are on the same level of the big clubs in terms of youth teams,” he claimed.

“These are ‘my’ youth teams so from now on I will care particularly about our achievements.

“We will surprise everyone because in our squads there are great talents waiting to explode.”

Since his arrival at the club, the Gigliati have managed to improve plenty of things around the club but are still struggling with the training structure and the stadium. The Franchi is one of the oldest and most obsolete grounds in Italy and the Viola would be willing to build a new home.

“Every year we spend less in terms of administration but we are in great trouble with our structures. At the moment we are forced to go begging around Florence,” he added.

http://www.football-italia.net/sep7a.html

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Corvino is a guy who really knows what he is doing, Fiorentina will compete as long as he is still there. I'm interested to see some of these players come through. Massimo Tagliani is one who could come in and do well, as well as Khouma Babacar who is a 16 year old Senegalese playing in the Primavera (under-20), but I don't know their youth below Primavera level.

Fiorentina get futuristic



Fiorentina are moving into the future by removing stadium ‘cages’ and building a new state of the art stadium complex.

Patrons Diego and Andrea Della Valle had threatened to quit the club if their proposals to build a ‘Cittadella Viola’ did not get the go-ahead from the local council, but it seems on Thursday those plans could be approved.

Mayor Renzi is set to give the all-clear for work to begin in the Castello area towards the north of the city, close to the airport.

The 300m Euro project includes a new stadium inspired by the Allianz Arena in Munich, hotels, parking lots, a theme park dedicated to football and a museum of modern art.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina are already making changes inside the Stadio Franchi for tomorrow night’s match with Sampdoria.

They will remove the metal nets known as the ‘cage’ separating the away fans from the pitch. These are common in every Italian stadium and cause visibility problems, but were considered a necessary safety feature.

The final objective is to have a Premiership-style arena with no barriers between the crowd and the field.

http://www.football-italia.net/sep22u.html

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Having no fences is a nice step, hopefully Fiorentina fans will continue their passionate but controlled support in their seats.

The Cittadella Viola project looks fantastic, nice to see them staying away from the toilet seat grounds, and if it looks like a slightly smaller but newer Allianz Arena that would look great.

UEFA ban Gila for two matches



UEFA has banned Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino for two matches following his sending off against Lyon in the Champions League last week.

The Italy international received his marching orders just before half-time after it looked as if he swung an elbow at Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan.

Immediately after the game Fiorentina Coach Cesare Prandelli said he thought Gilardino's actions did not warrant a red card.

“Gilardino told me that he did not hit his opponent deliberately, however, the referee did not agree so we were forced to play the match with one player less until the end,” Prandelli explained.

UEFA has taken the referee's view of the incident and Gilardino will now be unavailable for Fiorentina's upcoming matches at home to Liverpool and away to Debrecen.

He will be eligible to play again on November 4 when Debrecen travel to Florence.

The news comes as a massive blow to Fiorentina, especially considering Gilardino has already scored three goals in seven appearances this season, one of which came in Europe.

http://www.football-italia.net/sep23k.html

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Seems incredibly harsh, twice I have seen Gilardino get sent off for very innocuous elbows now by certain refs who don't understand how he plays. He is not a dirty player at all, in fact a bit of a lightweight when it comes to the physical battles and is always looking to protect himself. In this instance he didn't help himself as he looked a the player as the ball was coming in, but I don't believe for a second he deliberately elbowed him, just isn't that sort of player.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ohidmDSXFU

Della Valle resigns from Fiorentina

Andrea Della Valle has resigned from his position as President of Fiorentina with immediate effect after weeks of speculation.

The 48-year-old revealed his decision through a conference call to the board this morning and will be temporarily replaced by Mario Cognini.

Della Valle is said to have been very upset by protests held by the club's fans criticising his conduct in the transfer market.

Fiorentina sold Felipe Melo to Juventus this summer and didn't reinforce as expected, sparking outrage.

However, the reality is Della Valle needs to spend more time reorganising Tod's, the family business, which produces shoes and other leather goods.

Earlier this week, Fiorentina Coach Cesare Prandelli allied himself to the Della Valle family, insisting that Andrea was the reason why he decided to commit to the club in the first place.

Stevan Jovetic has also tried to show his support for Della Valle by dedicating a goal to him.

It is as yet unknown what this means for Fiorentina's ownership, though it is not expected to compromise their plans for a new stadium and theme park.

http://www.football-italia.net/sep24i.html

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They put the family business as the reason, but I think the family have become disillusioned with the lack of support from some fans and the local council, even if now it seems the stadium project has got the go-ahead.

Mutu accuses Juve over fine

Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has blamed Juventus for hindering his defence at the Court of Arbitration for Sport [TAS].

The Romania international was ordered to pay Chelsea £14.65m in compensation last year for failing a drugs test while at Stamford Bridge in 2004.

Earlier this week, the player's agent, Giovanni Becali revealed Mutu had won an appeal to have the fine suspended.

However, Mutu has now accused Juventus of failing to help his case.

“I understand that TAS established that I should pay a fine to Chelsea also because they had an incomplete version of my contract with Juventus,” Mutu is quoted as saying on Prosport.

“I found myself in this situation because of errors on my dossier caused by employees of Juventus. The Juventus lawyers presented an incomplete version of my contract to the Tribunal,” he concluded.

-------------------

Seems like a rookie mistake, glad he doesn't have to pay the fine as yet anyway, ridiculous decision to start with.

Champions League, Gp E Matchday 4 - 4/11/09 (19.45 UK)

Fiorentina 5-2 Debrecen

Mutu 14 (F), Rudolf 38 (D), Dainelli 52 (F), Montolivo 59 (F), Marchionni 61 (F), Coulibaly 69 (D), Gilardino 75 (F)

Stadio Artemio Franchi


Fiorentina need only a point to qualify after thumping Debrecen 5-2 with five different goalscorers. Lyon's 1-1 draw with Liverpool means the Tuscans can celebrate qualification for the next round with a stalemate against the French outfit at the Franchi.

The Viola could taste qualification from a very tough group after back-to-back wins over Liverpool and Debrecen. They beat the Hungarians 4-3 in a spectacular encounter, but this time around were without Stevan Jovetic and Sebastien Frey. Adrian Mutu recovered from a knee injury to start, but Marco Donadel was preferred to Riccardo Montolivo. Debrecen missed Robert Feczesin and Norbert Meszaros, while striker Adamo Coulibaly was surprisingly benched.

There was an horrific injury early on for Debrecen defender Adam Komlosi, who accidentally clashed heads with Dario Dainelli and was bleeding so heavily he had to be substituted. Zoltan Kiss came on and moved Marcell Fodor back into the defence.

Mutu scored a brace in the last meeting between these teams and he broke the deadlock again. He was left totally unmarked around the penalty spot for a diving header on Marco Marchionni's chipped cross from the right.

Avramov comfortably controlled a Gergely Rudolf strike, while Alberto Gilardino nodded the Juan Manuel Vargas free kick just wide. Marchionni combined with Gila for a double chance, the first charged down and the second saved by Pantic.

The Hungarians went on the counter and Avramov got down to block a Zsolt Laczko angled drive.

There was bad news when Alessandro Gamberini pulled up clutching the back of his thigh, so limped off to make way for Per Kroldrup.

Gilardino was so close to making it 2-0 when he rose to nod a Vargas corner on to the crossbar with the Debrecen goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

It proved a costly miss, as soon after Debrecen equalised with Rudolf. A long Leandro ball from the left bounced past a very static Kroldrup, allowing Rudolf to acrobatically volley in from eight yards. He had also scored in the first meeting.

There was an immediate reaction as Pantic used his thigh to parry a Gilardino strike from point-blank range. From the corner a Vargas volley was deflected over, but Avramov flapped at a set piece and was fortunate nobody was ready to take advantage.

Montolivo came on for the second half and within a minute Gilardino had turned his stop and volley wide of the near post.

Moments later Mutu's fierce right-foot screamer was fingertipped round the upright by Pantic, as Fiorentina were piling on the pressure. It was a wonderful team move that started from midfield with one-touch football involving four players. From the resulting corner, Pantic smothered a Montolivo effort.

Pantic was under siege and stuck out a foot to parry Mutu's daisy-cutter, the defence scrambling clear before Gila could pounce. The corner came out to the D where Montolivo's blockbuster forced another save out of the Debrecen goalkeeper.

The move continued and finally went into the net, as a cross was whipped in from the right for Dainelli's towering header. This time Pantic mistimed his jump, but the defeder was also brave to risk injury in getting to Gianluca Comotto's cross.

It was 3-1 with substitute Montolivo. Vargas did great work down the left and chipped in a cross that went past Gila, but found the unmarked Montolivo come sliding in from six yards.

Marchionni added another to the rout, as Fiorentina stepped on the gas with three goals in eight minutes. It was a corker, as the through ball allowed him to spring the offside trap and cheekily flick the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.

It was the first ever Champions League goal for Dainelli, Montolivo and Marchionni.

Debrecen made it 4-2 thanks to a howler from Avramov, who flapped meekly at a Coulibaly free header from six yards.

There were seven goals in Hungary when these sides met and again hit that mark, as Gilardino got a glancing header to a Vargas free kick from the right.

Czvitkovics drilled inches wide at the end of a very entertaining game.

Fiorentina: Avramov; Comotto, Gamberini (Kroldrup 33), Dainelli, Pasqual; Donadel, Zanetti (Montolivo 46); Marchionni, Mutu, Vargas (Santana 77); Gilardino

Debrecen: Pantic; Bodnar, Komlosi (Kiss 10), Szelesi, Leandro; Czvitkovics, Luis Ramos (Coulibaly 53), Varga, Laczko (Szakaly 65), Fodor; Rudolf

Ref: Mejuto Gonzalez (Spa)

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Pretty routine win in the end, but the injury to Gamberini is probably more of a concern, he is a key player.

Fiorentina have signed Dias Felipe on loan from Udinese with a view to making it permanent.

He is an excellent defender, it looked at one point like he would go to Juve or Milan at his peak but he has had a terrible injury record since and that has scuppered his big move.

I'd rather have Zapata though......

Official: Fiorentina sign Ljajic



Fiorentina have formally announced the transfer of Partizan Belgrade wide man Adem Ljajic, dubbed ‘Little Kaka.’

The club released a statement on its official website this afternoon confirming the deal had been struck for the 18-year-old, pending a medical.

It is believed that the cost of the operation is around £6.5m and Ljajic is considered one of the hottest young talents on the international football scene.

The Serb had a deal in place to join Manchester United, but the Old Trafford side suddenly pulled out of the £9m deal due to work permit issues in December.

"We made a tentative approach to get a work permit and the word we got back from the Home Office was that we couldn't get that through in time to get Adem signed in January," said assistant manager Mike Phelan.

http://www.football-italia.net/jan13o.html

every team in Italy seems to opt for younger talents and Roma seems to go only for 30 year olds

teams like Genoa, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Napoli are progressing very fast and building smth for the future but we're concentrating too much on the moment and season by season. i fear we're gonna get passed by all these teams in the near future.

Young talents cost a lot of money, better to develop your own. Fiorentina do a good job though, they have a nice balance. They didn't spend the Melo money, and also sold Dainelli for €3m.

ya ur right but the thing is we're not using our own youngsters, we dont think forward. whats gonna happen when Tonis contract expires and he doesnt sign + lets say Totti is injured, in that case we could have developed Okaka for this specific situation but hes not playing anymore, i dont remember the last time i seen him play.

Fiorentina sign Bolatti



Fiorentina have completed the negotiations for Porto striker Mario Ariel Bolatti, who will join his new teammates after his medical tests.

The Viola have confirmed that the transfer of the Argentine ace is now official.

Bolatti - born in 1985 - is a central midfielder, strong in the air but also very skilled. He started his career at Belgrano before moving to Portugal.

In the last year he was on loan at Huracan and nearly won the title back in his homeland.

Bolatti is also an Argentina international and scored the goal against Uruguay back in October that ensured the qualification of the Albiceleste to the World Cup 2010.

http://www.football-italia.net/jan18u.html

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He's a defensive midfielder who has impressed, he must have an Italian passport as well as they are already at their non-EU limit.

Savio Nsereko has left Fiorentina, to join Bologna on loan.

I just read a report saying Fiorentina are close to singing Cassano on loan for the rest of the season. It makes sense for all party's involved as Fiorentina need to replace Mutu and if you ask me Cassano is a few levels above him, Sampdoria would like to cash in on him and this would give Cassano a chance to play CL football and improve his chances of getting called up for World Cup 2010.

I read that, seems an incredibly bad deal for Sampdoria, like they are giving up. Prandelli seems like a good coach for him though, nice move to replace Mutu.

He still won't go to the WC though, Lippi just isn't going to take him.

Official: Viola sign Keirrison



Fiorentina have lost Antonio Cassano, but officially signed Keirrisson from Barcelona.

The Brazilian arrives on a two-year loan deal with an option to buy at the end of that time span for £12m.

The contract is still pending a medical, which is set to be performed on Monday.

Keirrison turned 21 last month and plays as a centre-forward, standing at 1.84m tall.

He started his career with Coritiba and Palmeiras, then was bought by Barcelona in June 2009.

However, he has spent the last six months on loan at Portuguese club Benfica.

“We liked Keirrison from the summer and in the end Barcelona took him,” explained director of sport Pantaleo Corvino.

“Knowing our interest they proposed him to us and it was an important signing, but not one that came in place of Cassano.

“We were proposed the Cassano option last night, but Keirrison is the replacement for Mutu during his time out, joining Stevan Jovetic and Alberto Gilardino as first team picks.”

http://www.football-italia.net/jan31l.html

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Fiorentina going with Keirrison instead of Cassano then, who is staying at Samp. Fiorentina looking stronger by the minute, they also picked up Haris Sefirovic from Grasshopper, who was a star of the recent U17 World Cup.

Fiorentina's match is being streamed live for free here this weekend, along with 4 other Serie A games.

Serie A Week 29 - 20/3/10 (17.00 UK)

Fiorentina 3-0 Genoa

Santana 4 (F), Gilardino pen 73 (F), Babacar 86 (F)

Stadio Franchi


Mario Alberto Santana's sensational backheel flick, Alberto Gilardino and 17-year-old Khouma Babacar saw Fiorentina dominate Genoa 3-0.

This was a head-to-head for places in Europe and both were on an upward trend after going through difficult times. The Viola earned a surprise 2-1 win away to Napoli last week, while Genoa held Inter and knocked five past Cagliari. Dario Dainelli's injury meant he could not face the club he left in January, joined on the sidelines by Bosko Jankovic, Robert Acquafresca and the suspended Marco Rossi. Fiorentina were without Juan Manuel Vargas, Marco Marchionni, Alesandro Gamberini, Adrian Mutu and the banned Felipe.

Genoa's last win here was March 1977, followed by five draws and six defeats. However, Fiorentina had lost four of their last five Serie A home games going into this fixture.

The Viola got off to the best possible start, as Mario Alberto Santana found the back of the net within four minutes of kick-off. Alberto Gilardino sparked the wonderful team move with a flick as he toppled over to send Massimo Gobbi to the byline and his cross found another backheel flick from Santana at the near post. A spectacular strike from six yards that totally fooled the goalkeeper!

Stevan Jovetic's swerver was just over, while Rodrigo Palacio's first touch let him down in front of Sebastien Frey. Jovetic protested when he clattered into Domenico Criscito in the box, but the referee awarded a foul against the striker.

Jovetic surged through the middle to smack a low screamer from 30 metres and Marco Amelia managed to take the sting out of it low to his right.

Moments later Riccardo Montolivo blasted over, but Frey was fortunate when he slipped trying to catch a cross that Manuel Pasqual was there to stop Palacio taking advantage.

Cesare Natali was dangerous from a corner kick with his towering header wide of the target.

Genoa staged one of their trademark team attacks, but Omar Milanetto opted to cross rather than shoot and Pasqual again cleared up.

Fiorentina threatened a second on the stroke of half-time, as a ball over the top allowed Pasqual to spring the offside trap and volley on to the side-netting with the inside of his left foot.

Straight after the restart the Viola dispossessed Criscito for another good chance that was charged down, then Emiliano Moretti intercepted a low cross for Gilardino.

Raffaele Palladino dribbled past two challenges outside the box for a deflected strike that skimmed the near post. From the corner Salvatore Bocchetti volleyed over from eight yards.

Moments later Jovetic rolled across for the on-rushing Gobbi, but Amelia flew to palm the rising shot out of the near top corner.

Fiorentina moved the ball around beautifully with Gilardino, Montolivo and Gobbi spreading the play across to the unmarked Jovetic down the left. Amelia rushed out to close him down, but caught his legs and the referee pointed to the spot. There was an odd moment when Gilardino and Jovetic argued over who would take the penalty. Gila won the debate - much to Coach Cesare Prandelli's irritation - and smashed it low to send Amelia the wrong way.

The Viola made it 3-0 with 17-year-old Babacar! It was his debut Serie A goal just four days after turning 17. He shrugged off Bocchetti and kept his cool to sweep the angled drive across Amelia into the far bottom corner.

Fiorentina: Frey; Comotto, Natali, Kroldrup, Pasqual, Santana (De Silvestri 63), Zanetti (Donadel 46), Montolivo, Gobbi, Jovetic, Gilardino (Babacar 79)

Genoa: Amelia; Papastathopoulos, Moretti, Bocchetti, Criscito; Mesto (Suazo 58), Zapater, Milanetto (Juric 54); Palacio, Sculli, Palladino (Tomovic 75)

Ref: Russo

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It was a lovely goal from Santana Nice for Babacar to get his first league goal, but importantly means that Fiorentina aren't too far adrift of the CL places.

Viola want answers from Prandelli

Fiorentina owner Diego Della Valle would like Cesare Prandelli to come out and tell the fans whether he intends to leave this summer or not.

Prandelli has been strongly linked with the Juventus job ever since Bayern Munich knocked Fiorentina out of the Champions League earlier this month.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Della Valle said: “You know what present I would like our fans to find in an Easter egg?

“A letter signed by four people on which it says: 'I will not go to Juventus next year'. I already have three signatures in my pocket.

“There is mine. I know that next year, I will not be President of Juventus. There is my brother's, who will not be the President either. And there is Pantaleo Corvino's, who is doing a formidable job. He will not be the Bianconeri's director of sport.”

Asked if the missing signature belongs to Prandelli, Della Valle said: “Exactly. I would like it if our Coach made this commitment in front of Fiorentina's fans.

“Actually, it surprises me that our fans have not already made Prandelli this request. Not a game goes by without the chant: 'Who doesn't jump is a Juventino…' but no-one wants to know if Prandelli will train Juve next year.

“It's strange,” he concluded.

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Della Valle is an idiot. If the truth is that Prandelli is thinking about the Juve job, which is highly likely given his past, then it wouldn't be wise to say anything now, it would derail the end of their season and cost them. Turning him against the fans is frankly a ridiculous idea.

I really like this team, firstly because of the sexy purple but they have some good players and got robbed in the CL. I seen some of the game today and they were impressive.



Not sure where to get the match report, but either way seemingly very convincing.

http://www.football-italia.net/alatest.html Try here in future mate, under the Serie A.

Prandelli stays as DDV goes



Cesare Prandelli and Fiorentina President Diego Della Valle have both released official statements, as the Coach remains “without doubts or confusion.”

It has been a chaotic day for Fiorentina, as earlier this afternoon President Diego Della Valle announced he was stepping down as President.

This came after a very public spat with Prandelli in which he urged the tactician to declare he would not sign for Juventus, prompting the Coach to say he felt as if he had “been fired.”

This afternoon the official Fiorentina website released this brief statement.

“Cesare Prandelli announces his intention to remain in Florence without doubts or confusion, respecting the contract that ties him to the Viola club.”

His current deal expires in 2011, so this announcement and Della Valle’s departure pave the way for a new direction.

Diego Della Valle released his own statement to the Viola fans explaining why he was stepping aside.

“I write to everyone who loves Fiorentina to explain that from today I am no longer the patron of this club,” said DDV.

“The subtle manipulation that someone has lately tried to work on the club, striking its fans, has overstepped every mark of toleration and any change in my behaviour would not modify its seriousness.

“Seeing the club put by so many in the dock after having done nothing other than defend with strength the values and dignity of the Viola jersey is not acceptable to me and above all not right.

“I tell the true fans to keep their eyes open, to not be used by those who want to destabilise the rapport between supporters and the club.

“Stay close to this administration that has given and will continue to give its best to create new dreams.

“Make sure my brother Andrea remains close to the club with all the passion he has always shown. Few like him are able to balance heart and the necessary directorial qualities to lead an important football club like Fiorentina.

“All of you, the real fans, continue supporting these lads who step on to the field, because they are a fantastic and generous group. Always defend the values of the Viola jersey.”

FI

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I don't suppose that will dampen the Juve rumours much, but it seems like someone or people close to the club, perhaps an Ultra group, have tried to destabilise the coach as well as the club.

I can't say I'm too kindly disposed to either of i fratelli Della Valle thanks to their intervention over the Mutu deal which saw him so nearly become a giallorosso and at the last second being snatched from our grasp. In hindsight, and given Mutu's present personal circs, it's arguable we got out of jail on that affair though.

Doesn't change the fact he'd have been a perfect fit into our side at the time!

Vada scopar, Diego… ed Andrea similarmente!

I never understood why any team would take the risk with him really. Personally I never rated him exceptionally highly and while I think Chelsea were very selfish and harsh in their treatment of him, I wouldn't see a reason why any club should be willing to back him and take him under their wing. He made a massive mistake and its a massive risk if you are willing to discount it and hope that he has gotten over all his issues.

stretch, Adrian Mutu seems to me one of those players whose style fits far more comfortably into the European than the English game.

I can't condone his snorting coke but I understand why he did it at the time he was caught...a young man away from home, family and friends, and out of favour with his club. He mended during his time with Juventus and at the time of la mia magica Roma wanting him, he would have been just what we needed.

In Mutu's most recent case he took slimming pills which are to all intents and purposes, amphetemines or "uppers." A clumsy way to disguise the need for a lift. In my life I've had two girlfriends whose professions required them to keep a slim figure and so took "slimming pills" to control their weight. I'm no slouch but keeping up with those two on "speed" was a losing battle!!!

Moggi said the biggest mistake Juve made in 2006 was letting Mutu go.

capo, that little piece doesn't even begin to describe...


J.J. you guys lost so much at the one time it's a debatable point that any one case mattered more...

That's true, although the point he was making was that for the progression from Serie B to being a top Serie A side again could have used Mutu.

Yes, most likely so!

On the point of needing stability, La Viola could have done without this latest turn of events though! Diego Della Valle leaving could work for or against them. They need to strengthen their squad and for that they need a moneyed backer as incoming presidente. They also need to be able to convince those players they may hope to buy that it's worth their while being with the club during the time taken to regain CL level. Not always easy.

Then of course there's the Prandelli factor...as it happens, I think he should move on, he looks to have gone as far as he can where he is. In playing terms Fiore appear to be where my Roma were, needing to learn how to lock down a game.

I'm not convinced he'd be the right choice for your club though so many Juventini seem to want him. I'd hate to see a straniero replace Zac but if it had to be and I was in your place...I'd want Hiddink, not that he appears to fancy the job. I don't think the Spanish waiter is your man either.

Against Inter...unless la Viola show some attitude, something they have lacked for much of this season, they will be very very fortunate to even qualify for the EL next sesh, far less do my Roma any favours by beating those serpenti!!!

Much as I want a purple victory I can't see it! I think Prandelli has lost the plot...

Certainly seems to have lost something, maybe the trust of the players.

This is one of the few games left where Inter could drop points, so we need a good Fiorentina performance

Well let's see what happens tonight in la Coppa! Prandelli has been making noises about needing to win tonight as all Fiore have left now for this sesh is the booby prize. Given Inter have to face your bianconeri on Friday and don't want to drop points again we have to think there is a good chance of a purple victory!

Hopefully we will see a Fiorentina victory, this is really low priority for Inter.

Inter came out victorious with a 2-0 aggregate.

oh well they're in the final playing Roma or Udinese.

Drag, I really wanted to see Fiorentina win. It was always going to be unlikely, though.