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Top 3 Fiorentina?
Topic Started: Aug 26 2012, 01:39 AM (1,010 Views)
DaG
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Signed a lot of players this summer, some of them very good (Borja, Cassani, Viviano, Aquilani, David Pizarro, Cuadrado, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Mati Fernandez, El Hamdaoui). They have also kept Jovetic, Vargas, and Ljaic.

Excited to follow them as the season progresses.
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AntMcfc
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Top 3 lol, top 7 at best.
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Luca Toni believes that Fiorentina are capable of finishing in a Europa League spot this season.
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elcule
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Ahh get in what a class side. Borja and Mati Fernandez are top class.
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Winner.

"If I go to Anfield and someone puts the ball into the box and Carragher hammers it out of play the fans applaud. At Camp Nou you would never be applauded for that." - Xavi
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DaG
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By Michael Cox aka Zonal Marking:
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Glance at the Serie A table, and you'd be forgiven for wondering what has changed at Fiorentina. From 13th place at the end of a difficult 2011/12, they're now riding high in fourth position, having won five of their last six games.

Inspect their squad list, and it's obvious what has changed. Of the 21 players Vincenzo Montella has used in Serie A this season, 16 were signed in the summer. As a club that went bankrupt a decade ago, then had to continually evolve their side as they climbed from Serie C2 to the Champions League, Fiorentina are used to transformations - but a 75% playing staff turnover remains extraordinary.

If they were currently near the relegation zone, this would be cited as Fiorentina's problem - a lack of familiarity and cohesion. Instead, they are already playing fluid football with clever passing combinations and integrated movement, which is testament to the work of Montella, one of the most promising young coaches in Italy, but also the decisions of sporting director Daniele Prade.

His predecessor, Pantaleo Corvino, was heralded as one of the smartest transfer specialists in Italian football, and for much of his seven-year tenure Fiorentina signed some hidden gems (Stevan Jovetic being the best example) but somewhere along the line, he lost his edge. Replacing Corvino with Prade - who in turn appointed Montella, a friend from his Roma days - was the most important decision the Della Valle family has made since appointing Cesare Prandelli as coach in 2005.

The massive overhaul had three main benefits. First, it cleansed Fiorentina of the various troublemakers and bad influences that caused so many problems, particularly under Sinisa Mihajlovic, hardly a coach who could lecture on discipline. Houssine Kharja, who was so uncommitted to the club that he continued living in Milan, was one casualty, while talented but lazy winger Juan Vargas was loaned to Genoa.

Second, it marked a shift away from the Prandelli years. He was Fiorentina's longest-serving coach ever until he took the national team job in 2010, and while the high points of his tenure will live long in the memory, Fiorentina needed closure. For the past couple of seasons they struggled on with the carcass of Prandelli's side, with captain Riccardo Montolivo, the symbol of his football, becoming increasingly excommunicated and eventually stripped of the armband.

Finally, and most importantly, Fiorentina have a new vision. They embarked on an extraordinary campaign to sign as many technical, exciting midfielders as they could. "Here we want to play football and entertain the fans," said Montella, promising something special.

Enigmatic Chilean playmaker Mati Fernandez arrived from Sporting Lisbon, before Fiorentina purchased the assured Borja Valero from relegated Villarreal. When Prade bought Alberto Aquilani from Liverpool, you wondered how all three would fit into the same side, and then the signing of David Pizarro, the criminally underrated combative regista, made it look as if Fiorentina were seeking to become entertainers rather than champions. "I have a team full of quality players," Montella declared. "The only path open to us is that of looking to put on a show."

But elsewhere, there were clever signings. Prade returned to Villarreal - exactly the sort of side Fiorentina's football can be compared to - for Gonzalo Rodriguez, then picked up his fellow Argentine centre-back Facundo Roncaglia. Stefan Savic was acquired from Manchester City in exchange for Matija Nastasic and €15 million, a swap deal that seems to have suited all four parties. They form the defensive line, and Fiorentina have conceded the joint-fewest goals in Serie A.

Daniele Prade: The man behind the man with the master plan
GettyImagesDaniele Prade: The man behind the man with the master plan

It was a surprise to see Montella start the season with a 3-5-1-1 system, which initially seemed incongruous with his squad's new identity. The sides that have succeeded in Italy with that shape - Juventus, Udinese and, on occasion, Napoli - do so through energetic, direct football, rather than with technical ball hoarders. But it has worked nicely - Manuel Pasqual and Juan Cuadrado play as wing-backs and provide the verticality and attacking thrust, while Montella initially used a box-to-box worker like Romulo or Giulio Migliaccio to prevent Fiorentina becoming overrun in the centre. In a clash of similar systems against Juventus, Fiorentina managed to outplay the champions in a 0-0 draw, and were let down only by poor finishing.

As the players become more familiar in the system, Montella has become more adventurous; recently Pizarro and Valero have been joined by Aquilani or Fernandez. The four in the same side is a possibility, but the good form of Adem Ljajic makes that difficult. The Serbian is another fascinating player, always on the move, drifting from one flank to the other in search of space. He's capable of superb long-range strikes yet shocking finishes in one-on-one situations - he would sum up Fiorentina's indulgence in style over success, if it wasn't for the fact they've become increasingly efficient.

The 3-1 weekend victory at Milan showed their quality. Granted, Max Allegri's side are at their weakest point for a decade, but Fiorentina's sheer confidence was remarkable. Pizarro, Valero and Aquilani was the midfield triangle - the latter duo both broke into the box to score, while wing-backs Pasqual and Cuadrado attacked the Milan full-backs constantly. When Montella wanted to close out the game, he brought on Fernandez, the greatest artisan at his disposal. "I will admit that I was tempted to introduce Migliaccio rather than Fernandez when we were 2-1 up," grinned Montella. "But the DNA of this team is creativity."

Yet another new signing, Ajax reject Mounir El Hamdaoui, provided the icing on the cake with a glorious chip. Importantly, this was a victory achieved without the injured Jovetic, who remains Fiorentina's main attraction. Bids from bigger clubs will be forthcoming, and Fiorentina have proved to themselves that they rely on collective harmony, rather than individuals.

Besides, the fans have other targets for their affection. Goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano, a youth team player forced to leave the club because of the bankruptcy, is back. "For someone like me who was born in Fiesole and who used to cheer on Gabriel Batistuta from the stands, there is nothing better than the Viola shirt," he said. He already had a tattoo of Fiorentina's crest, and he named his first daughter Viola. Club legend Luca Toni, who won the European Golden Shoe as a Fiorentina striker in 2006, has returned, and after initially seeming out of shape following a difficult period personally and professionally, is reinvigorated and provides a more 'permanent' goalscoring alternative to Jovetic and Ljajic.

In all, Fiorentina have become one of the most attractive sides in Europe. "We might've been a little less spectacular and a little more clinical compared to the start of the season," Montella reflected after the Milan victory, almost apologetically. "We are invaded by the enthusiasm of the fans." Already happy with the style, Fiorentina fans are now delighted with Montella's success.
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Fiorentina needed nothing short of a complete facelift in the summer. Following a season which featured three coaches, few wins and countless off-field issues - including a bizarre dugout attack by Delio Rossi on Adem Ljajic - the Viola were desperate to return to the kind of form which saw them become a hugely-effective Champions League side just two years earlier.


But while many Serie A clubs were blindly backed to challenge once more, despite difficult transfer campaigns, the Florence outfit were fancied by few to have the kind of impact which has seen them win five successive games to climb to within one point of second-placed Inter, one third of the way into the season.

Some fabulous market moves saw the likes of Borja Valero, David Pizarro, Juan Cuadrado, Facundo Roncaglia and Emiliano Viviano brought in to help replace a number of familiar names, but rather than taking time to gel, the new kids on the block have revelled in the feeling of freshness in the Tuscan air.

Riccardo Montolivo, Alessandro Gamberini, Juan Manuel Vargas et al were all players who had served the club well but they moved on at the right time and the Viola have only benefited from their departures.



FIORENTINA'S LAST FIVE




Lazio (home)
Genoa (away)
Cagliari (home)
Milan (away)
Atalanta (home)


Won 2-0
Won 1-0
Won 4-1
Won 3-1
Won 4-1


The new faces have brought a new life to Fiorentina under the watchful eye of Vincenzo Montella, whose capture from Catania in June was nothing short of inspired. With a clear intent to play the game the right way, the Neapolitan has instilled confidence in possession as well as a tremendous work ethic. And in basing his side around the artistry of Borja Valero, the endeavour of Pizarro, the pace and freedom of Cuadrado and Manuel Pasqual, and the solidity of a tremendously effective back three, he has ensured that star man Stevan Jovetic has become the byproduct of a confident unit.

While Jovetic’s leadership from the front helped to get them going in the early days of the campaign, it has taken the Viola very little time to get into their stride. Only once this season have they had less than 50 per cent of possession in a game, with that coming in the 3-1 win at AC Milan last week. That statistic is a measure of how much Montella has had them rely on their new-found confidence on the ball to make them Champions League contenders once more.

That ability and belief has made them many people’s favourite team to watch this season. They have never once abandoned Montella’s philosophy of playing neat, energetic, fluid football, drawing comparisons with some of Europe’s most effective outfits. Borja Valero even compared their style to that regularly seen in La Liga, saying the retention and recycling of the ball reminded him of his experiences in Spain.

Now they are in the middle of a magnificent run of form. Five wins have been recorded in successive games, with 11 goals being scored in their last three, but even more reassuring for Montella was that the victories over Milan and Atalanta in the last week came despite the absence of Jovetic. And while the Montenegrin is undoubtedly still a key part of their future plans, the work done by the Italian coach over the last five months means he is no longer the be-all and end-all.

Between now and the end of the andata, the Gigliati have a relatively tame run of fixtures. Juventus, Inter and Milan have all been faced already, and only Roma of their next six opponents come with any significant threat, meaning that Serie A’s form side could well become Juve’s most dangerous challengers before too long. It may be a big leap to suggest that they could be Scudetto contenders come May, with that possibility too early to tell at this stage, but what can be said is that the combination of style and substance has quickly made them one of the best teams to watch in the Italian league.
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DaG
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AntMcfc
Aug 26 2012, 07:39 AM
Top 3 lol, top 7 at best.
4th after 29 matches, only 3 points off 3rd and 5 off 2nd. Tactically and aesthetically they are the most interesting side in Serie A this season, Montella has done an amazing job at Fiorentina, and their directors have made some immense signings. Roma should be ashamed, never gave Montella a proper chance.

Strong rumors that Fiorentina are close to signing Jordy Clasie. Would be an immense signing even though they have 4 very good ball playing midfielders, though Pizarro is getting on a bit and Clasie could play in that role no problems.
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AntMcfc
Aug 26 2012, 07:39 AM
Top 3 lol, top 7 at best.
Muppet.

A Violet Fairytale In Florence
We inspect Fiorentina's continued resurgence under the methodical and innovative leadership of Vincenzo Montella. After the 2012 revolution, can La Viola go one step further this campaign and qualify for the UEFA Champions League?
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It’s hard to imagine that only eleven years ago, Fiorentina disappeared from the football map. The days of Rui Costa and Gabriel Batistuta were over. It was renowned Chinese author Laozi who famously wrote, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” Apt.

When the iconic Tuscan club were relegated to Serie C2 and re-established under the innovative and ambitious eyes of Diego Della Valle, a successful entrepreneur who made his wealth from the leather industry, it was immediately clear where Fiorentina were headed; and if they didn’t change direction, they wouldn’t be coming back.

The end is always a new beginning. Perhaps Della Valle was looking for the end – a distinct closure that would enable the club to focus on the future and regaining their Serie A status. The team was rebuilt around Angelo Di Livio, the veteran midfielder who chose to remain in Florence in spite of the multiple relegations. His loyalty and the shrewdness that Della Valle employed in his rebuilding of the club, on and off the pitch, resulted in a swift return to Serie A – two years to be precise. Serie C2 to Serie A: mission accomplished.

Once again, for Della Valle, he could see the end. They had finished sixth in Serie B and were promoted via the playoffs; the team had run its course. Over the next two years Della Valle appointed the now Italy manager, Cesare Prandelli - with a revolution among the playing and coaching staff, Fiorentina would go on to establish themselves among Italy’s elite once again.

Inevitably, however, the end came and a new beginning was needed post-Prandelli. After scouting for a compatible fit – a manager who could revolutionise La Viola with his philosophy and experience – last summer, two years after Prandelli departed, the club began its latest rebuilding period with the appointment of Vincenzo Montella. The former Roma striker, alongside new Sporting Director Daniele Prade, set about rebuilding the playing staff through the signing of players who were either underrated or under-appreciated across Europe. A new direction had been taken.

Prade’s predecessor, Pantaleo Corvino, was heralded as one of the smartest transfer specialists in Italian football, and for much of his seven-year tenure Fiorentina signed some hidden gems (Stevan Jovetic being the stand-out example) but somewhere along the line, he lost his edge. Replacing Corvino with Prade - who in turn appointed Montella, a friend from his Roma days - was the most important decision the Della Valle family has made since appointing Cesare Prandelli as coach in 2005.

As pre-season got underway in 2012, staff at the clubs Centro Sportivo Campini (the training ground) may have been forgiven for wondering if they’d gone to the wrong place. Fiorentina had changed beyond recognition. The club is used to transformations but a 70% turnover in the squad remains extraordinary. Of the 27 players Fiorentina used in Serie A last season, 18 were signed during the campaign. It’s a truly remarkable feat made all the more so by Montella’s seemingly instant gelling of the squad.

If they were near the relegation zone, it would’ve been cited as Fiorentina's problem - a lack of familiarity and cohesion. Instead, they played fluid football with clever passing combinations and integrated movement, which is testament to the work of Vincenzo Montella, one of the most promising young coaches in Italy. For Montella, winning is as important as style of play. La Viola played some of the most attractive, intricate football in the league during 2012/13.

Montella arrived in Florence with a firm philosophy that he has effortlessly succeeded in passing on to his charges and club owner Della Valle. "Attractive football brings results," is his take; it is an audacious one in a league where defensive rigour and attacking pragmatism have long held sway and brought inarguable success. Despite that tradition, Montella is proving himself to be a thoroughly persuasive force, having taken courses in psychology, public relations and sports management as well as eight university exams in physical education.

The aforementioned overhaul of the squad helped Montella rid the squad of deadwood During phase one he resolved issues with the following players:

- Juan Vargas – The talented but lazy winger was sent to Genoa. His loan ended this summer but it’s likely he will either be sold or sent out on loan again.

- Houssine Kharja – So uncommitted to the club that newspapers reported he was still living in Milan.

- Riccardo Montolivo – The symbol of the club for so many years, it was apparent that his head was elsewhere. The move has worked for both parties with Montolivo going on to become an integral part of the Milan and Azzurri set up.

So what about the key players who have come in last summer and this:

- Defensively there’s been a complete shift. Argentinian pair Facundo Roncaglia and Gonzalo Rodríguez arrived, the former going on to earn a reputation as an original ‘hardman’. Stefan Savic, who joined as part of the deal that took Nastasic to Manchester, has recaptured his early promise. Marcos Alonso has joined this summer from Bolton – a promising youngster who looks set to fulfil his early promise from his time at Real Madrid.

- Midfield has seen the greatest shift. The brilliant signing of Borja Valero (one of last season’s top performers) was underpinned by the creative acquisitions of Mati Fernández and Alberto Aquilani. David Pizzaro came in to help with Montella’s passing philosophy. The creative hub compliments the tireless efforts of Manuel Pasqual and Juan Cuadrado in the wide areas perfectly. This summer bringing in Massimo Ambrosini adds much needed steel and experience. Joaquín’s signing is much the same and his flair will be well suited to the Italian game.

- In attack the club needed to supplement its most valuable asset, Stevan Jovetic. Signing Luca Toni last summer was a clever short term option – the recent signing of Mario Gomez now gives the Artemio Franchi club a long term, ready-made goalscoring option. He will benefit greatly from the excellent service he will receive from wide and in behind. In January the club acquired its number one target, Giuseppe Rossi from Villarreal. While initially injured, his move to Florence opens up the possibility of a spectacular strike force with Jovetic and Gomez.

Perhaps the most telling aspect of the revolution at Fiorentina has been the emergence of the clubs impressive philosophy. "Here we want to play football and entertain the fans. I have a team full of quality players," Montella declared. "The only path open to us is that of looking to put on a show." said Montella, promising something special.

The challenge for Montella now is finding a way to satisfy Ambrosini, Fernández, Aquilani, Pizzaro, Joaquín, Pasqual, Cuadrado and Borja with enough game time. These are big match players experienced and talented – keeping them all happy will be a tough ask of the former Fulham front man. Perhaps this is where Montella’s man management skills will really come into focus.

Adem Ljajic’s game has also improved markedly under the new manager and his impact cannot be understated. Playing off Jovetic, the former Partizan man demonstrated maturity and (improved) consistency last term; at times he was like a new signing. Make no mistake, the Serb will continue to frustrate; he frequently scores the tough chances but over-elaborates in 1v1 situations. He’s been linked with moves elsewhere but it will be a surprise if Fiorentina allow the skilful forward to move on after his best season in a Viola shirt.

While fans have understandably taken to the enigmatic manager, their affection is also drawn elsewhere. Goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano, a youth team player forced to leave the club because of the bankruptcy, returned. "For someone like me who was born in Fiesole and who used to cheer on Gabriel Batistuta from the stands, there is nothing better than the Viola shirt," he said. He already had a tattoo of Fiorentina's crest, and he named his first daughter Viola.

Their back-line, assembled at a cost of just €3.5m, deserves credit too. Roncaglia, brought in on a free from Boca Juniors, has become a cult hero with fans adapting Chuck Norris jokes to him in recognition of his hard man status. "When Facundo is hungry, it's the fridge that has to go out and do the shopping."

The evolution this summer given renewed hope to yet another challenge for Champions League football in Florence. After missing out on qualification for this year’s edition by a mere two points, the Gigliati wil be looking to bounce back and make amends. While 2012 may be considered the revolution, 2013 is more the evolution. They’ve signed sparingly (in comparison to last summer) yet wisely. They’ve brought in proven talent; Gomez, Ambrosini and Joaquin are unlikely to let anyone down.

This new era is perhaps the start of a longer term vision. While the previous owners were reckless with their financial management of the club, Della Valle has been shrewd in opting for short term answers to get the club back into Serie A before thinking bigger, and longer, with the appointments of Montella and Prade.

The Artemio Franchi is bouncing again, and with plans afoot to build a new home to truly take Fiorentina to the next level, optimism in the wonderful city of Florence is rife. The club has most certainly changed direction, and this time, they’ll be delighted to end up where they’re heading.
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AntMcfc
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Muppet for being correct?!

Next season will be tasty, four proper sides contesting for three CL spots.
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AntMcfc
Jul 11 2013, 12:12 AM
Muppet for being correct?!

:laughcry: :laughcry: :laughcry:
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Lol, unreal assessment from Dag. Would have been spot on as well if Milan didn't score in the last minutes against Siena.
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ChrissyG11
Jul 11 2013, 01:00 AM
Would have been spot on as well if Milan didn't score in the last minutes against Siena.
Most blatant match fixing I've ever seen.
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Was a good call alright. I think top 3 was a little bit ott, but Fiorentina were outsiders for a top 6 spot so you certainly were right in predicting a very successful season for them. Good season for Ljajic and I've enjoyed watching Borja Valero, great little ball player.
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