Fiorentina's boring match day reports

[Neil@Fiorentina]

FIORENTINA FANZONE

In a cynical cash in, Fiorentina have joined the trend of publishing their post match reports
We don't expect anyone to read them except die hard fans, and the terminally bored.
There are rumours however, that a 'fly on the wall' documentary series might be in the works, called 'Fuck off Fiorentina' though due to the number of swearwords apparently in the program, it will be rated 18.

Anyway on with this month's reports..

Feb 2nd - Week 10
Salzburg 0-7 Fiorentina

Yes, you read that right, Fiorentina hit seven goals away from home. The late match report likely due to the massive booze up the squad were allowed to go on to celebrate. It is believed manager Kirby won the award for drinking most without throwing up.

Jovic hits 4, Dembele hits another 2! Nunez with the other. The deadly front line had a field day.
This comes after rumours that Jovic and Dembele were nearly sold in midweek, perhaps they wanted to reward their manager for keeping faith in them.

In truth it was a good performance, but not a seven nil performance, with twenty of the twenty seven shots being on target, and seven of them hitting the net.

The top two of Sevilla and Fiorentina have opened up a little gap at the top, which isn't too surprising given they had the two highest wage bills in the division. Next week sees them face off against each other in a fascinating match.

Feb 5th - Week 11

Bugger, we didn't write one for this game, oh well here goes

Fiorentina 4-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

An impressive home performance, with Nunez getting man of the match and a goal.
It was young midfielder Camus who impressed too however, weighing in with two goals.
The nice open passing game from both sides seemed to benefit the home side, and the stats showed they were worth the win.
Cresswell also had a cracking game in defence, also pleasing the manager with his work rate.
The good run continues for now, but there was a big game at the top of the table to come next.

Feb 9th - Week 12

Sevilla 0-1 Fiorentina

It was a massive top of the table clash, with the two strongest squads in EF2 facing off against each other.
Sevilla went in as favourites, having the stronger team and home advantage, Fiorentina were coming in off the back of a midweek cup thrashing, so weren't very confident.
It may have been that midweek defeat however that shook away any complacency, as Fiorentina switched to a 5 man defence, they also considered changing tactics, but noticed that Sevilla often played a long ball game, so ended up sticking to their passing approach.
It was a fairly even game, with Fiorentina bossing the possession, but Sevilla creating more opportunities.
It was ex Sevilla player Nunez that proved the difference though, with a clinical finish late on, with young defender Cresswell having a good match too, and setting up the goal.
The result puts Fiorentina top of the league for the first time this season, but I'm sure there will be many more twists and turns to come.

Feb 12th - Week 13

Fiorentina 2-5 Sparta

Back down to earth after last week's win at Sevilla. Not quite sure what our keeper was up to the night before the game, but he will be disciplined! Just one of those games that goes against you. We had the edge on all the stats, but the late switch to A gave them a good advantage for the late goals. Hopefully we can get back to winning ways.

Feb 16th - Week 14

Lyon 2-2 Fiorentina

Not a great performance from the lads, in what has been an iffy week. We did ok for possession, but otherwise it was fairly even, except our lads left their shooting boots at home. We had to come from behind twice, including with the last kick of the game, so relieved to even get a point tbh. Decent game.
Have been looking to make changes, particularly to formation, but the only changes are Mount coming into midfield to add more firepower, and a loan defender, to maybe give us more options to keep clean sheets.

Feb 19th - Week 15

PSV 0-0 Fiorentina

Zzzzzzz, what should have been an exciting clash against manager Kirby's old side, turned into a snore fest.
Fiorentina changed formation and tactics given the recent number of goals conceded, and I guess at least it meant a clean sheet
However, it also led to very few shots on target and a poor performance, even when the tactics were switched up during the match.
New signing Mount had a quiet game, and there were very few positives to be taken other than the clean sheet
Oh well, time for another rethink

Feb 23rd - Week 16

Fiorentina 2-2 Union Berlin

A bit disappointing to draw our third league game in a row, but looking at the stats we didn't really deserve to win.
Went back to 4 at the back, and leaked an early goal. We hit back though to take the lead, but couldn't hold it, even after bringing another defender on.
Still seeking the right balance in the squad and formation, so deals are apparently being sought.

More exciting match reports to follow!

[Neil@Fiorentina]

Feb 26th - Week 17

Real Betis 1-1 Fiorentina

Another day, another draw for the stuttering purple ones.
We tried to mix it up with some long ball football, only to find the opposition had too! It was a fairly boring first half until Betis broke the deadlock, and Fiorentina switched tactics.
Things improved, and an equaliser was scored by defender Victor, with Dembele playing well.
Based on the stats we could well have won this one with some more clinical finishing from the 10 shots on target, but despite all the attacking talent in the side, it was not to be.
Dembele was a clear man of the match. In terms of the league table we slip down again to fourth, but at least Sevilla didn't get any further ahead at the top.
With nothing happening on the transfer front, it's up to the manager to find a formation and tactics that work.
Next up is Celtic in Europe

[Neil@Fiorentina]

FIORENTINA FANZONE

Yup, It's March media money grab boredom time!
Can Fiorentina have a better month than February and push on for promotion?
Does anyone care apart from me?
Can i think of any more exciting, stimulating, relevant, awe inspiring questions?
No


March 1st - Week 18

Fiorentina 6-2 Atalanta

Great performance from the lads to see off third place Atalanta in style.
It was an open passing game, though it looked to have backfired, as the away side took the early lead.
Fiorentina hit back in style though, to lead 5-1 at halftime, and whilst the second half couldn't match the first for entertainment the stats showed the home side were worth the win, with 17 shots on target.
It's always slightly frustrating to see player who are leaving play well, but Dembele left in good form.
Jovic was back among the goals after a dry run, and young midfielder picked up 4 assists before getting sent off.
Other results mean it gets tighter at the top
Next up is Porto away, which looks a tricky proposition, particularly with a midfielder out.

March 4th - Week 19

Porto 4-3 Fiorentina

Oh dear, the rollercoaster of results dips down again, though the neutrals won't be complaining about the goal fest.
Both teams started off with a passing game, and Porto had the better of things in the first half, running off into a 4-1 lead.
Things improved in the second half and Fiorentina at least made it look decent by getting two goals back. We never really looked like managing the comeback though, and based on the stats Porto just about deserved the win.
Downsides were the form of keeper Benitez, who has been stripped of the captaincy.

The positive notes were the two debut goals for Hojlund, and Romero had a good game at the back.
At least we welcome back Camus from suspension for the midweek European decider.


March 8th - Week 20

Fiorentina 3-1 Feyenoord

Good solid performance from the purple ones, still on a high from their midweek European drama perhaps.
We raced into a commanding lead in the first half, against a side also in the hunt for promotion.
It was nice to see Nunez among the goals again, taking his tally to a respectable 10, and Jovic remains in the hunt for the golden boot.
We even had the luxury to bring on a squaddie at half time, who made his minutes and will never be seen again!


March 11th - Week 21

Shakatar 0-0 Fiorentina

Not the most exciting game of the week
It went pretty much as expected, with Shaka looking to keep it tight, but we didn't do enough to break them down.
Fiorentina made a few changes from last week, with new teenage keeper Owusu-Oduro, defender Chistensen, and Enzo Fernandez all making their debuts.
The stats showed the away side could maybe have done enough to win, but weren't clinical enough to make their shots count.
The main positive was the clean sheet for the new keeper, a big money purchase in the auction. It was quite a gamble selling captain Benitez for a teenage replacement, will it pay off? He has masses of potential certainly.


March 16th - Week 22

Fiorentina 2-1 Valencia

The big match at the top end of the table saw 3rd place Fiorentina against 2nd place Valencia.
It looked like being a goal fest, with all the goals coming in the first eight minutes in the game, but that ended up being it.
The Russian roulette of tactics fell in our favour, with the P v N. I think Valencia must be getting randoms currently, hopefully Tony will return, as his side as doing well.
The star man was Jovic, with the two early goals, which now puts him top of the scoring table for EF2 with twenty.
The win puts us up to 2nd, after a decent week.
The only downside was a suspension for Zanilio
Next up is a trip to Lens

[Neil@Fiorentina]

FIORENTINA FANZONE

It's nearly the end of the month, so let's wrap up those league match reports for March
It's been a decent month, with Fiorentina in second place in the league, and in the DBC semi-finals
There's been plenty of action on the transfer and auction front as well, so lots for the fans to be excited about as the season enters the final stretch

March 18th - Week 23

Lens 2-0 Fiorentina

Oh dear, not a great performance, but not a terrible one either.
It was a fairly even game based on the stats, but the home side were more clinical on the day.
Maybe we could have played different tactics, but the changes in game didn't make much difference
We were missing Zaniolo, who might have added some firepower from midfield, but take nothing away from Lens, they did enough.
The positives were the performances at the back from Cresswell and Christensen, but the main negative was the 2 week injury to captain Wijndal, including for the crucial midweek European QF.
Fortunately neither Sevilla or Valencia won, so the damage to the chase isn't too bad.

March 22nd - Week 24

Fiorentina 0-0 Benfica

Bit of disappointing result for the lads in purple, as they had hoped their European form would continue into the league.
Both teams started C so maybe a no score wasn't too much of a surprise, but looking at the stats, the home side were unlucky not to win, with 58% possession, and 10 shots on target.
Benfica have a good side, and are in a false position, so maybe it's not too bad a result, and with the top two faltering too, nothing much is lost at the top.
The positives were a clean sheet for Owusu Oduro, and a decent games for Nunez and the outgoing Zaniolo
Next week we can welcome back Wijndal from injury, but will be missing Zaniolo, who was sold in a speculative move, but leaves the side week in midfield in the short term.

March 25th - Week 25

Fiorentina 4-0 Shalke

A much more clinical performance from the lads tonight, and put in a decent performance to match.
We made a few tweaks, welcoming Wijndal back in defence, and pushing Fernandez and Nunez further up, and adopting a more passing game than in recent matches. The midfield was weakened with the sale of Zaniolo, but squad man Chiquinho didn't just earn some minutes, he also went home with a goal and the man of the match award.
Positives were - some important squad player minutes were made, 3 points won, and a good performance
Downsides - Christensen picked up a booking, so will miss the next game, but even that is perhaps preferable to missing next week's Euro game.

March 29th - Week 26

Ajax 0-0 Fiorentina

Nothing to see here..
It was a fairly even game of not many chances. Both sides lined up with the C to start with, with Fiorentina choosing to match the likely tactics of Ajax rather than risk the away E. However a switch to P before half time was made to try and go for it a bit.
Fiorentina slightly edged the stats, but it was a game where the defenses were on top.
No one excelled, but Helix and Camus had decent games.
So 4 points this week, not too bad considering. We had our best defender out for this one, and await the arrival of auction signing Etikete to hopefully spur things on next week.

[Neil@Fiorentina]

FIORENTINA FANZONE

Yay, it's time for April's match reports. I bet you can't wait for more exciting updates on how the purple one's are doing in EF2
Is this month going to end in success? do you care?
The fans are certainly starting to get excited, as the club are well in the promotion hunt, and have a European final to look forward to.

April 1st - Week 27

Fiorentina 0-1 Rennes

Well, that sucked. We tried opening up a bit and changing formation, to create more chances, and to an extent it worked, as we led on chances and possession. However, their 24 rated keeper played a blinder, and despite our firepower we couldn't find a way past him. The second half sucker punch was a harsh one, but that's the way it goes sometimes.
Not too many positives other than Ekitike got amongst the chances, and we didn't get any injuries of suspensions before our midweek cup semi. We will need to play a lot better than this though against West Ham.

April 5th - Week 28

Villarreal 2-6 Fiorentina

Fantastic score line for the purple ones, though a very flattering result!
We started with the same team that did well in Europe, and it looked like it might be a C v C nil nil stalemate, but no Villa got the very early goal, and we switched up our tactics, and the floodgates opened.
To score six from only eleven shots on target is very pleasing considering a few have gone against us this season, but Villa must be feeling very hard done by, as it looked like they slightly shaded the game.
The clinical finishing of Nunez and Jovic made the difference, and it will be interesting to see how we do without 22 goal Jovic next week, as he is off to Benfica.
All of the defence put in good performances for the backbone of the win, but it was Nunez with the man of the match.

Positives - The big win, good abs, another squaddie met his minutes, and got closer to Sevilla at the top
Downsides - Letting in two goals, Jovic playing well before his sale!

April 8th - Week 29

Fiorentina 3-0 Salzburg

Pleasing performance and result from the purple ones.
The new lads Araujo and Suso fitted in well, with Suso getting the early goal to settle the nerves and the defence keeping a rare clean sheet. Nunez put in another man of the match performance and his goal means he's gaining on the division's leading scorers.
The stats were nicely in the home side's favour, though it needed a late penalty to put the gloss on the performance, and a first goal for Ekitike. Breathing down Sevilla's neck now, following their drop off in form, though still plenty of games to go.

Positives - Good performance and result, no suspensions for Europe, another squaddie made his minutes, clean sheet, teams around us in the division didn't win.
Downsides - Booking for Araujo

April 12th - Week 30

Frankfurt 1-1 Fiorentina

Decent performance, but not the result we wanted, though Frankfurt are in the playoff places, so maybe an away draw is a good result.
We got the early goal from Nunez, which brought Frankfurt out of their shell to attack, and early in the second half they hit back.
There were plenty of chances, and we slightly edged the match, but the keepers performed well, making plenty of saves between them. Not many games left now, so each point counts.

Positives - Good performance, good abs for Owusu, Helik and Araujo. Suso man of the match.
Downsides - Araujo gets a suspension for crucial game against Sevilla next.

April 15th - Week 31

Fiorentina 4-1 Sevilla

Fantastic result that blows the title and promotion race wide open. It was second versus first with much to play for.
It started badly with the early goal to Sevilla, but we stuck to the match plan rather than make knee-jerk changes, and fortunately things quickly changed around. Young striker Ekitike scored his first goal from open play, and put in a man of the match performance to hopefully show he is settling in. An own goal, and then one from Camus before half-time put the home side in a commanding position. It looked like things might go wrong when Helik got his second yellow card before the hour was up, but rather than fold the team pulled together, and even put a late gloss on the score with Suso netting.
Based on the stats, it was much closer than the scoreline suggests, but clinical finishing did the job.
So Fiorentina top, but for how long? There are now 4 clubs all very close to each other and anything can happen.

Positives - The win! MoM from Ekitike, Wijndal put in a captain's performance. Top of the table!
Negatives - The sending off and suspension of Helik, meaning two defenders out for the next game.

EURO SEMI-FINAL second leg

West Ham 0-1 Fiorentina

Yesss! What a performance by the underdogs to make it through the final.

A clinical finish early on from Darwin Nunez was enough to make the difference, though equally it was an impressive defensive performance that made the victory possible.
A lot of thought went into the match, and in the end the gaffer decided to chance trying to match the Hammers rather than try and defend or seek tactical advantage. If we were to go out, we'd go out fighting and try and win a few more abs. As expected the Hammers went with E, with Fiorentina sticking with the P formation they played on Monday. The difference perhaps being more in the formation, with Fiorentina playing five at the back, rather than Hammers risky three.
West Ham did attack in the second half, but young keeper Owusu showed maturity beyond his years, and Christensen led the line well.
Stats wise the Hammers did edge the game, and will feel hard done by, but the Fiorentina created enough to give themselves a chance.

Onto the final against another Premiership club in Sheffield Wednesday, bring them on!

[Neil@Fiorentina]

April 17th - Week 32

Sparta 0-2 Fiorentina

What looks like a standard away win was far from it, with our keeper getting man of the match the clue to what actually happened
It was quite an open game with lots of chances, but the keepers were on top of things, theirs saved 14, and ours 17!
It helped we had the better strikers and keeper than that was probably the difference.
Given we had two defenders out, this was actually just as important a win as last week, with only four at the back used.
Our strikers were the goal scorers, and Wijndal had a great game at the back.
Nice to see a 5 point gap develop below us, but there is still a lot of points to play for

Positives - The win with 2 defenders out, Nunez gets to 20 goals. The 5 point gap opening up, Owusu's keeper abs
Downsides - The amount of chances conceded, one booking.

April 19th - Week 33

Fiorentina 6-0 Lyon

As good as it gets for on form Fiorentina, good performances all round from the lads, and a score line to match.
With other results going our way as well, it leaves up 3 points clear at the top and 7 clear third, so all to lose!
By being four up before half-time we even managed to take off both strikers, and bring on a 17 and 11 for minutes.
We someone managed to score two more after that, with Suso netting twice more for his hat trick.

Positives - Nunez double, Suso treble and shot uprate, minutes nearly done, results go our way
Downsides - Booking and suspension for Wijndal

April 22nd - Week 34

Fiorentina 7-0 PSV

Wowsers, the goals are certainly flying in at the moment, after the six in the last game.
I feel a bit sorry for my old side, actually nah, I don't!
I think we benefitted from the away side playing A, which I guess might have been a random.
Defender Cresswell got two goals in two minutes in the first half, and then the floodgates opened.
The other goals were spread out, with goal machine Suso getting another two, the only surprise was no goal for Nunez, even 11 rated sub Lualua got a goal!
Stats wise is was as one sided as the scoreline suggests, with the shot count being 40 v 9

Positives - Plenty of goals and abs, passing uprate for Cresswell, the last 11 rater got his minutes, results go our way
Downsides - Umm, we didn't get 8

I am not going to mention the table or the P word, to avoid the curse of the ESMS gods

April 24th - Week 35

Union Berlin 1-0 Fiorentina

Disappointing result, bringing to an end a good run of form.
It was one of those games however, where the lads played well enough to win, but didn't.
We knew Berlin weren't going to be a pushover, having lost only 9 times all season, and what has been a free scoring attack couldn't find a way past them. Stats wise, we had 60% possession, and twice as many shots, but that's the way it goes sometimes.
Fortunately the teams around us continue to have mixed results as well, so the fans aren't panicking just yet
We have two tough games to go however versus sides in the top 6, so nothing is certain.

Positives - Decent games for some of the defenders, teams around us had mixed fortunes
Downsides - Harsh loss, couple of bookings, jitters setting in!

April 26th - Week 36

Fiorentina 0-3 Real Betis

What a shocker. Not many saw this result coming, with Fiorentina expected to party their way to promotion.
Maybe complacency has set in, maybe the jitters?
In reality though it was a very wierd result based on the stats, which Fiorentina led in all areas, and how did we not score from 29 shots? I guess we've used up all our goals in the two big home wins recently. I suspect their keeper was on steroids though, making 20 saves in the match.
To be fair though, all kudo to Betis who came and attacked and made a really open game of it, and they got their reward.
Fortunately again, not many of the surrounding teams made the most of the slip, so it's still the purple ones to lose.

Positives - Lots of abs, still top
Downsides - everything else!

So... where does that leave things? A crucial next round match away to third place Atalanta that's what!
It will certainly make for an entertaining last round of matches if it's all to play for still, though that kind of excitement is not exactly wanted!

[Neil@Fiorentina]

April 29th - Week 37

Atalanta 2-0 Fiorentina

Oh well, it seems the ESMS gods want it to go to the wire in EF2 this season!
We started with cautious C in the hope of getting the away point we needed, but Atalanta got the early goal, and the tactical advantage switched to them, they got a second, then went defensive. Even so we ended up with more shots and possession, but couldn't score again. That's the way it goes sometimes, but 3 games in a row is a bit of a nut kicker.
What it means is that promotion and the title will all be decided on the last day of the season, with 3 in the mix.
The bit of hope for the Fiorentina fans is that they are at home, whereas the other two are away to playoff chasing sides, but given our recent form, it may be the only way to go up is to hope one of Sevilla or Atalanta don't win!

Positives - Nunez hits 21 shot
Downsides - Another loss, keeper having a dodgy run.

May 1st - Week 38

Fiorentina 2-1 Porto

and... breathe. Phew! We crept/fell over the line with a final day win, to win the title!
Porto made us sweat, though, and I thought it was going to be another one of those days when they took the lead against the run of play, however this time around, we fought back and got the goals needed to secure top spot. Suso and Nunez doing the business.
Stats wise we were well on top, but that doesn't always count.

Thanks to JB for running the league, and everyone in it for making it such an enjoyable season.
Good luck in the playoffs, and congrats to Sevilla too.
Farewell EF2, for now!

EURO FINAL SPECIAL - DBC CUP FINAL

Sheffield Wed 4-2 Fiorentina (after extra time) (I think)

The game link doesn't appear to be working, so going from memory here!
Wednesday were the favourites going into the game, being in the Premiership, and having the stronger squad.
However, Fiorentina had some hope, having dispatched of West Ham in the Semi-Final.

It was quite an open game, with Wednesday starting with attack, and getting the early goal, Fiorentina switched to C, and hit back with two goals, with Ekitike and Camus on the scoresheet. It went quite late into the second half before Wednesday equalised and took it to extra time. Fiorentina had suffered a first minute injury to a defender, which meant reserve Glik came on, and he was the villain who gave away a penalty to give Wednesday the lead. Fiorentina went for it, which enabled Watkins to get his hattrick and make the score line look respectable for the Premier side.

It was no doubt meant to be, as the second Bradwell in succession pick up the cup, and no one can deny them that satisfaction.
Well done Mike