Guys, no we can't really be surprised Fiore couldn't win even in their own back yard...

Yesterday when I read Prandelli saying he figured their best chance of progressing was through extra time and penalties I thought to myself, and not for the first time, it's no damn wonder these boys can't lock a match down when the coach lacks what it takes to inspire them. Looking at Prandelli's Fiorentina in some ways reminds me of Spalletti's Roma.

When the stories started last summer that many consider Prandelli to be the new Messiah for la Juve I just couldn't believe what I was reading and I'd say if Blanc doesn't take the advice of the drughi and f*ck off back to France this summer then there's a good chance he will hire Prandelli and leave Juventus no better off than they are with Zac!

But to return to my late father's team here...Fiore need a strong minded coach with a good man-management way about him. They also need a new presidente with a fat wallet!

Looks like Benitez for Juve now On the game, I saw quite a bit of it last night even though I was playing darts (), both teams had chances but as it seemed quite even it became clear that Inter would nick it.

It has to be said, though, that Prandelli is a great tactician. Fiorentina were punching well above their weight under him (until this season, of course) and they came within a number of extremely crappy calls and non-calls of beating Bayern. Both games were horribly officiated.

Oh, and Fiorentina are coming to Montreal for a friendly this summer... Already got my ticket.

Lucky you! I seldom get the chance to see an Italian club play outside of Italy. I hope they bring enough of their stars to do justice to the occasion. I don't imagine for example Gila will be there as he'll be on vacation after the World Cup. But you have to go and shout for them nonetheless...

It's time for Prandelli to move on, both for his sake and the players. That's to say if Fiore want to get back into European competition asap. Not that it was all his fault the team has come up empty handed this sesh. Fighting a three cornered battle takes a stronger and larger squad than he had at his disposal. Saying that, he has been unable to get his lads to successfully regroup after their CL disappointment. He has to take responsibility for a fair portion of that.

Milan is coming to Montreal too

Yup I saw that... I think it's actually at the Olympic Stadium as well so there should be a massive crowd. Tickets will probably be more expensive though and I don't drive, so I'm not sure if I could possibly go to both.

I'm hoping I can get some autographs from the Fiore players at the training session, that would be awesome.

Prandelli writes to Viola fans



Cesare Prandelli has written a letter to Fiorentina's fans after rescinding his contract at the club so he can replace Marcello Lippi in charge of Italy.

Prandelli has enjoyed a warm relationship with the Viola's supporters since his arrival at the Artemio Franchi in 2005.

The 52-year-old wrote: 'to those who believed like me and are moved by a solitary purple flag in a window; to those who thought that, even if I got some changes wrong, I was a good person anyway…

“To everyone, to Florence with its elegance and melancholy, its diffidence and generosity, I only have two things to say: thank you and I will always carry you in my heart.”

Fiorentina are expected to replace Prandelli with Serb tactician Sinisa Mihajlovic later this week.

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Looks like Mihaijlovic to Fiorentina then!



La Viola are also close to signing Gaetano D'Agostino for €9m. He said he is on his way to Florence to sign the deal.

thought he was going to Inter

Seems that Fiorentina were already in discussions to replace Prandelli, should be interesting to see how much he gets from Jovetic and Ljajic now, but they will still play good football.

Udinese should have just sold D'Agostino to Juve last year and got 15-20 million euros for him, instead they hung onto him and he was injured most of the season, and the season itself was basically a write-off, anyway. He's still a great midfielder, Fiorentina are getting a huge bargain, unfortunately.

He should get on well with Mutu.

Official: D'Agostino joins Fiorentina

Fiorentina have formally announced their decision to sign Gaetano D'Agostino from Udinese on a co-ownership deal.

News of the transfer broke last week, but it was unclear whether Fiorentina had signed the 28-year-old outright for a reported fee of €9m.

Fiorentina will unveil D'Agostino on Wednesday at 12:00pm.

D'Agostino's signing represents something of a coup as Udinese valued him at around €15m last summer.

Juventus were very close to buying him, but opted to buy Felipe Melo instead from Fiorentina for much more.

Fiorentina Mercato 2010-11

IN

Gaetano D'Agostino - Udinese - €10m c/o
Artur Boruc - Celtic (SCO) - €2m
Alessio Cerci - Roma - €4m

Total: €16m


OUT

Ondřej Mazuch - Anderlecht (BEL) - undisclosed
Ramzi Aya - Reggiana - loan
Samuele Bettoni - Reggiana - loan
Lorenzo Morelli - Juve Stabia - undisclosed c/o
Matteo Arati - Reggiana - loan
Giacomo Casoli - Spezia - undisclosed c/o
Lorenzo Lollo - Spezia - undisclosed c/o
Massimiliano Tagliani - Ravenna - undisclosed c/o
Samuel Di Carmine - Frosinone - undisclosed c/o
Piergiuseppe Maritato - Reggiana - loan
Francesco Di Tacchio - Frosinone - undisclosed c/o
Lorenzo Morelli - Prato - undisclosed c/o

Total: ~

Goalkeeper Artur Boruc moves to Fiorentina from Celtic



Fiorentina have completed the signing of Artur Boruc from Celtic for an undisclosed fee after the goalkeeper passed a medical.

The Poland international, 30, has penned a two-year contract.

Boruc, who joined Celtic from Legia Warsaw, will start pre-season training in Cortina d'Ampezzo this week.

He will compete with Sebastien Frey for the number one spot with the Viola, although the Frenchman has been linked with a move away from Florence.

Boruc, who was under contract with Celtic until 2011, has been a virtual ever-present at Celtic since joining from Legia Warsaw in 2005 and moves to AC Milan and Arsenal had been touted in the past.

Fellow Pole Lukasz Zaluska has been vying with Boruc for the number one jersey at Celtic since arriving from Dundee United last summer.

But it was American Dominic Cervi who played against Philadelphia Union on Wednesday as Celtic lost their first pre-season friendly 1-0 ahead of matches against Manchester United, Seattle Sounders and Sporting Lisbon.

Boruc made more than 150 appearances for Celtic and has gained 43 caps for Poland.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell told the club's official website: "It was clear that, after five years with Celtic, Artur wished to pursue a fresh challenge.

"I know everyone at the club and all our supporters will sincerely wish Artur all the very best in this challenge.

"During his time at Celtic, he has been a magnificent servant to the club and, without any question, he is one of the finest goalkeepers ever to play in Scotland.

"Indeed, he has been one of Europe's top keepers.

"A true character, a passionate man and a real Celtic supporter, he has been part of some memorable occasions and been instrumental in the successes which the club has enjoyed.

"We send him all our best wishes for the future."

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

Really good at times, has made some terrible errors though, also a complete nob Some think that this means Frey will leave, but I wouldn't be shocked to see Boruc start as number 2.

Jovetic out for six months



Fiorentina have suffered a crushing blow ahead of the new season as Stevan Jovetic has been ruled out for at least six months with a serious knee injury.

Sinisa Mihajlovic was expected to build his team around the Montenegro international who lit up the Champions League last season.

Fiorentina announced on their official website that Jovetic has torn a cruciate ligament in his knee.

The 20-year-old's condition will be monitored today to determine whether he requires surgery or not.

However, Fiorentina don't expect him to become available again until February or March.

Jovetic scored 11 goals last season and became instrumental to the side after a year of adjustment.

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Huge blow for Fiorentina, maybe they will need to go into the market to replace him.

that is as bad as it could have gotten for Viola, need some players to step up but Jovetic cant be replaced without spending a large amount of money.

Eight months out for Jovetic, terrible for them.

Fiorentina agree charity shirt deal



Fiorentina have turned down three sponsorship offers to promote the Save the Children charity on their shirts this season.

The Viola are keen to follow the example set by Barcelona and Aston Villa, who have both used their reputations for the greater good.

Fiorentina’s shirt in pre-season has carried the words “Football is an entertainment” in an effort to change the culture of the game in Italy.

However, Save the Children will now replace that logo and Fiorentina have organised three friendlies to raise funds for the charity.

“It’s the first time that a team in Serie A has wed itself to the mission of a great organisation like Save the Children,” said Valerio Neri, the director general of the charity.

“Even today in almost 70 countries, millions of children lose their lives to pneumonia, measles and diarrhea," he concluded.

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

Nice gesture, they are a club who always take positive steps like this.

Official: Fiorentina sign Cerci



Fiorentina have officially signed Roma winger Alessio Cerci, but are now less likely to sign Wigan’s Charles N’Zogbia.

The Viola announced the arrival of 23-year-old Cerci on a permanent move this afternoon and he will be presented to the media later today.

Although he spent last season at Roma, he has mainly been loaned out to Brescia, Pisa and Atalanta in his career.

Cerci represented Italy at Under-16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 levels.

In other news, it’s reported in the French media that Fiorentina are further away from previous target N’Zogbia.

The 24-year-old Wigan Athletic man had been linked with the Tuscans, but is more likely to join Birmingham City.

Juventus are also keeping an eye on the £7m rated player.

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

I believe it was said in the other thread the fee is €3m, which is dirt cheap.

Roma are also after him, according to reports. I think Galatasaray and several others are interested as well.

this is fucking unbelievable, im just sick and tired of the stupid clowns who get rid of all our promising young players for absolutely fuckkkkk allll, we have to be the number one club who gets rid of all his potential players for rubbish. im fucking angry

Ranieri is pretty stubborn too, but Roma has always focused on youth players and shouldn't stop that.

Mihajlovic: 'Linesman got it wrong'

Sinisa Mihajlovic forgives the linesman for “getting it wrong” on the goal, while Walter Mazzarri criticises Napoli’s attitude.

The 1-1 draw at the Stadio Franchi was dominated by controversy, as Edinson Cavani’s early header did not cross the line.

“They got it wrong and they know that. It wasn’t a goal, but in football these things can happen,” said Fiorentina Coach Mihajlovic.

“It’s a shame for the lads and the fans. In any case, we played the ball to feet very well and created chances. I saw the right attitude and that was the most important thing.

“If I manage to give my character to the team, we will go far. We were just missing the victory today and I remain certain we’ll qualify for the Champions League.”

Both teams ended the game with 10 men, as Juan Manuel Vargas saw red for a reaction foul and Manuele Blasi followed after a second bookable offence.

“I didn’t like our attitude at the start of the second half,” said Napoli boss Mazzarri.

“We should’ve gone on the counter in a certain way, but instead we sat deeper and deeper, almost as if we were inviting Fiorentina to score. I’ll have to talk it over with the team.

“Other than that we played a good game and the move for the goal was wonderful, as was the incident when Ezequiel Lavezzi hit the crossbar. Either side could’ve won today.

“It’s not an alibi, but perhaps we were a little less sharp than usual because of the Europa League game we played on Thursday.

“In any case, Fiorentina were fired up and it’ll be difficult for everyone here. My only regret is that for those 10 minutes we should’ve turned the match in our direction, but instead waited for our opponents. It’s the opposite of what I’d asked.”

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

Fiorentina were the better team in this game, they should have won.

Viola is behind 1-2 against Nazio, 15 mins to go, shameful

Interesting point, one that comes to mind instantly is Shevchenko (virtually an Abramovich signing I believe). Legendary career with Milan then at Chelsea he is a shadow of his former self barring a couple of brilliant goals. Aquilani's career in England fell flat on it's face before it had even began although it is only a loan deal currently and he may still have some hope of establishing himself in the English Prem.

Also now I think of it it really frustrates me the lack of decent English players challenging themselves in other countries and becoming more rounded people/players, but many don't wish to take the risk. Beckham comes to mind but he had the determination to do it plus strangely his family would likely have played some part in the decision for him to play in different countries. I reckon that his mentality was the main reason for his success away from England though and many English players (not just young but especially the "established" English players) just don't have a strong enough mentality and work ethic to ever be successful abroad.

Had a watch of Fiorentina vs Parma and Fiorentina were impressive and just as I turned off went 2-0 up so presuming they got a good victory.

Bottom of the league after 7 games, Mihajlovic is feeling the pressure and even though they have been unlucky in some games they are on an awful run, just 5 points.

Dunga and Leonardo have both been linked, some nice choices around for La Viola but they should give Mihajlovic more time.

Fiorentina 2-1 Bari, Donadel of all people with an INSANE goal. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ5IblFEfrI

Great goal, Fiorentina deserved it too.

rofl how Gila missed that last chance in the vid?

Yeah Gillet does make some insane saves though.

I just noticed the quote in your signature amazing!!!!! But anyway, it looks like Fiorentina pretty much dominated the match, could have had a lot more than just two goals. Ljajic has been pretty impressive so far as well.

Blog: The Florentine Aldair



Ignore last night's performance against Inter. James Horncastle feels Fiorentina have uncovered a star in Michele Camporese

Nello Baglini had a right to look back on his career and smile. After all, he would forever be remembered as the man who saved Fiorentina from financial oblivion. The printing magnate had been elected President of the club in 1965 and inherited a debt worth 800m lire. It was enough to scare off even the wealthiest of football patrons, but not Baglini.

The manifesto on which he had campaigned was simple: “I'll reinforce the team and balance the books.” In reality, he told the Coach at the time, Beppe Chiappella, something slightly different. “We'll only buy one important player for next season,” Baglini said. “As for the rest, you'll have to make do with youngsters from the academy.”

And so the Fiorentina yé-yé was born, a mop-haired group of kids who played football much like the pop stars of the era played guitar. The crowds at the Comunale were as hysterical as those at Serge Gainsbourg concerts. Indeed, four years after Baglini's arrival at the club, Fiorentina improbably won their second Scudetto.

Aside from Giancarlo De Sisti, the one big signing the President had promised, and Amarildo, the explosive Brazilian striker, Fiorentina were a team remarkable for their youth and ability to produce or spot talent. If we flash forward to 2002, the situation the club's current owners Andrea and Diego Della Valle found themselves in was actually much worse than that Baglini faced.

Fiorentina or Florentia Viola as they were then known lay in Serie C2 licking their wounds after the excesses of the Cecchi Gori era. The club needed completely rebuilding from the bottom up. It was year zero, not least at academy level.

Giovanni Galli, one of its former graduates was charged by the Della Valle family with re-establishing the Viola's ties with Tuscany's local sides such as Polisportiva Garzella in an effort to source and develop local talent for the future. The policy would take time to make its impact felt, but finally there is evidence that it is starting to bear fruit.

Michele Camporese joined Fiorentina aged 12. His father would drive from Marina, the family's hometown on the coast where Galli had grown up, to the nearby airport outside Pisa. Four days a week, he'd put his son on the bus to Florence with all the tourists for the 90-minute journey.

“He was very close to Pisa,” recalled Ilario Saturni, a Fiorentina talent scout. “The family wasn't that convinced about letting Michele come to us. He was still young and there was a little concern on the parents' part.” Tragically, they had already lost a daughter in an accident and were naturally more protective than most. Camporese, however, dearly wanted to become a professional footballer.
He would go to bed early, turn down offers to hang out at the beach in Versilia, study hard then insist that rather than pack up a sandwich for the journey to Florence, his mother Teresa quickly cook a plate of pasta al pomodoro.

Although he started out as a central midfielder [and a Juventus fan] Camporese had long been an admirer of Alessandro Nesta, tacking a poster to his bedroom wall. A change of position swiftly followed and it wasn't long before the coaching staff at the club realised that they had a defender of considerable potential on their hands.

Camporese represented Italy at practically every age group during his time in the academy and was part of the Fiorentina team that won the Scudetto at youth level under Renato Buso in 2008. Last season, he signed a five-year deal, but a place in the first team was anything but assured. The last defender to make the big leap from junior to senior status at the club was Emiliano Moretti in March 2001, though even he had initially started his career at Lodigiani.

However, Sinisa Mihajlovic offered hope. Shortly after his appointment he promised that “if the players are young and gifted, I will make them play.”

Surprisingly, he threw Camporese in at the deep end, giving the 18-year-old his Serie A debut against Milan at San Siro in November. For 45 second half minutes he marked the League leaders' star striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “Michele never let himself get scared,” Mihajlovic said. And though Fiorentina ended up losing 1-0, the goal had come before the interval. Camporese might as well have kept a clean sheet.

Injuries and suspensions to the Viola's more established defenders meant chances continued to come his way in a difficult season. Camporese played against Juventus in Turin the following week in the most intense game of the Fiorentina calendar and impressed with the precision he showed in anticipating the play. La Gazzetta dello Sport noted that, despite being relatively slow, he managed the clock and the ball very well with a degree of elegance.

Camporese also revealed personality and leadership skills, telling reporters: “We have to get to 40 points in hurry. It's useless to talk about anything else. We need more character and nastiness. But we'll get out of this situation. We are doing well at home.” While it's maybe still too early to tell, it would appear he is the latest in a new generation of Italian centre-backs together with Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Ranocchia.

Camporese's pivotal goal against Palermo on Sunday, the first of his professional career, left Mihajlovic with a smile on his face, not least because it helped bring about Fiorentina's first away win of the season. Arianna, the boss's patient wife, was clearly relieved. “I really suffer when he loses because I know that the mute phase is coming…," she said. "He already speaks little. If Fiorentina then lose, a big freeze descends on the house. He becomes a fish…”
Mihajlovic now considers Camporese a fixture alongside Alessandro Gamberini in defence. “He has shown great maturity. It's surprising,” the Serb said. “In terms of serenity he reminds me of Aldair.”

Though last night's 2-1 defeat to Inter was a chastening experience for Camporese, it was the first time he had put a foot wrong since breaking into the first team. One bad performance in which he scored an own-goal and shared guilt for another should be set in the context of seven other good displays.

Now more than ever in recent memory Italy needs to nurture, protect and to put faith in its young players. That's the example Cesare Prandelli set in Dortmund last week when he fielded a youthful and relatively inexperienced Italy side against Germany.

You always need to break a few eggs to make an omelette and even if Samuel Eto'o and Giampaolo Pazzini gave Camporese a battering on Wednesday night, the future's bright for him. Indeed the future's purple.

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As an 18 year old he'll struggle at times against top class players but he's very promising. Juventino too, future defender maybe?

Stevan Jovetic hopes to make his return in Fiorentina’s last game of the season against Brescia.

The fantasista is now back in training after missing the entire campaign so far due to a knee problem he picked up in pre-season.

The attacking midfielder was hoping to play in the Week 37 schedule, but he now concedes that won’t happen.

“I’m feeling good and I’m desperate to get back into action,” he said on Thursday.

“I won’t be available against Bologna though as I have a small muscle problem, but I hope to be back against Brescia.”

It has been a long road back after surgery, but Jovetic insists that he never feared the worst after his knee ligament snapped.

“I never thought that my career could be over,” he continued. “Lots of athletes were injured before me.

“I have always thought positively and this horrible experience will make me more mature.”

Fiorentina could be set for some mass changes in the summer, but the youngster has committed his future to the club.

“My contract expires in 2013 and I’m available to extend my current deal.”

Jovetic was finally asked about the possibility of becoming club captain should Riccardo Montolivo leave this summer.

“The armband would be something very nice but, who knows, Montolivo may stay,” he concluded.


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Poor guy, I was stunned when I read he was going to be out for the whole season, terrible injury. As I've mentioned a few times on here I met him in Montreal, seemed like a nice, normal guy, I hope he's still the same player next season.

Mutu's going to Cesena. Unknown fee. Surely he's taking a hefty wage cut.

He could be class there.

Mihajlovic is sacked.

Don't be surprised if he is picked up by Inter if Ranieri continues his ways.

That would be great.

Unbelievably lame. He's becoming very injury-prone, what a disappointment.

Hmmm, I'd like him at Juve, but these injuries are really off-putting.

BTW, did anyone see how terrible Fiorentina were at Inter? Deary me, you can see why they are 0-2-5 away. Without Jovetic and Montolivo they are like a Serie B team, with Boruc saving them. Even Pazzini scored, and Inter scored two, at home! That's how bad they are.

Awful away team, didn't even try to get a result.

They're absolutely nothing without Jovetic, didn't help either that Montolivo and Gilardino were also out, but even with them, you're right, they're horrible away. But to further my point, Fiorentina just went 1-0 up on Atalanta, Jovetic with the cross for Gilardino.

Scratch that, two goals in 4' from Masiello and Denis (*cough*udinese*cough*) and it's 2-1 for Atalanta. It was the loss of Prandelli that really damaged Fiorentina the most.

Ooooh, Jovetic strikes back. Wishing this was on TV instead of Milan, the last half hour was brutally dull, they just passed it around and kept it away from Siena.

About time TBH, his work in the transfer market the last three years has been terrible, no visible strategy and the players signed have all been mediocre.

Not a fan then?

There are actually a lot of Juve fans I've seen on other forums who wanted this guy lol.

Delio Rossi has been fired after he physically attacked Adem Ljajic in the dugout after Ljajic sarcastically applauded him for substituting him after only half an hour during their 2-2 home draw with Novara. This club has sunk so far since Cesare Prandelli left.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuenaf3fxwE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J80YskWJAgI

Insanity. Rossi just lost it. Such a strange incident as well, because he comes off as quite a tolerant guy.

Many of these Balkan lads have a bit of a mouth and temper on them, it was very unprofessional from Ljajic to do that to an experienced coach, but Rossi should not have reacted physically. Just fine and bench or transfer list him.

Rossi got a three month ban from the FIGC.

shocking scene and he didnt just give him a slap, no, he continued after with a big punch