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Fiorentina Fanzone
It’s been a busy month for Fiorentina, with the hectic league and European schedule in full swing.
There has also been lots of action off the pitch too, as players continue to come and go.
Let’s catch up on all the action!
Transfer news
Where do we start? Well, there are now no players at all left over from last season, as we said goodbye to the remaining two, Suso and Helik both leaving the club this month. In fact, I think there is only Marmardvili remaining from the team that started the season. The new arrivals this month so far are –
G_Mancini 28 ita 1 21 17 4 22 1 602 724 551 – Joined from West Ham, in a deal that took the older player De Vrij and cash in the opposite direction. It was nice to finally sign an Italian player, and he has the benefit of decent abs, and better passing than De Vrij too.
M_Pellegrino 20 arg 1 20 17 3 22 1 228 236 847 – Fantastic young auction signing, who joined the club this week for a bargain 42m. However, a deal has already been struck for him to move to Leeds, after much bidding for the young player.
L_Sane 29 ger 1 4 21 20 23 1 191 781 504 – The pacy German joined from Blackburn last week, in a deal that saw Suso and 30m head in the other direction. Again however, his stay will only be short lived, as he too will join Leeds next week.
Joselu 34 esp 1 6 14 20 27 1 134 79 487 – The experienced striker Joselu was signed to provide better forward cover, which was felt needed with the loss of Suso, Lasme and cash was the deal.
The big news this week however, was the deal with Leeds for Pellegrino, which initially was a player plus cash offer, but developed into a 3 for 3 deal, with some big players joining Fiorentina.
Incoming are –
L_Spinazzola 31 ita 1 22 19 15 27 1 358 698 985 – Another Italian joins the side, with fantastic triple skills, will add a lot to the team, the only downside is his age, which led to further adjustments being made to the deal which was initially an inquiry about Pellegrino.
N_Fekir 30 fra 1 5 23 19 29 1 216 112 490 – A very high rated midfielder, who has already scored 12 goals this season, obviously has an eye for goal. He will replace Casemiro, so is obviously a big upgrade on the dodgy Brazilian. Again, a little older than ideal, but is two years younger than Casemiro.
S_Chukwueze 26 nig 1 3 21 21 27 1 893 162 23 – Perhaps the best of the three, with great double skills, which has already attracted the attention of one club since his signing was announced. Chuk will replace the similar Sane, but has the benefit of being younger and having better shooting.
Many of these signings were only made possible by the risky sale of a couple of older players to the SHN list, with Ayling and Countinho leaving for a combined 83m. This left the club a little short for a week or two, but still managed to get some decent results, and enabled a nice boost to the squad overall.
League and European News
There has been a definite pick up in results during September, with some league wins even! The club remain near the bottom end of the table, but have pulled away a little from the bottom three, and have some of the clubs above them in their sights now. It will be an interesting end to the season, and some of the clubs in trouble have appointed caretakers and results are also picking up for them too.
Fiorentina have also progressed into the DBC cup semi-final stage, navigating the final two league games without problem, and squeaking past Leverkusen in the quarter finals.
Week 19
Juventus 0-0 Fiorentina
A hard earnt point on the road for Fiorentina, who seem to do well against the top sides.
Juve pussied out it has to be said, so scared of the likely Fiorentina counter that they changed tactics, and it ended up being a countering stalemate. gg Andy
There were good games for Militao and Cresswell at the back, and a Sanches did ok on his debut to help shore up the defence.
So at halfway we sit in a disappointing fourth from bottom, but hey, we did say our aim was to stay up, and so far we are on target!
We welcome back Boadu from suspension next week, and there may yet be further transfer activity
Week 20
Rangers 1-1 Fiorentina
A promising performance on the road for Fiorentina, despite it being only a point picked up.
It was a fairly even game, which we edged slightly, with two late goals balancing out the game.
It was disappointing to see Sanches go off injured early on, as the manager had hoped to see whether he would make a difference, it was his substitute Chiquinho who scored the 83rd minute goal that some dared to believe might be the winner, but Rangers struck back in the 87th minute to share the points.
There were good games for De Vrij and Kalulu at the back.
Next up is the small task of Real Madrid, and with Sanches out injured for two games it doesn't look hopeful
Week 21
Fiorentina 2-1 Real Madrid
Wow, we certainly didn't see this result coming. After finding wins so hard to come by in the league, we go and get only our third one against the league leaders.
We played it tight, with the hope to sneak a draw, and were a little fortunate to get a penalty in the second half to take the win.
Suso put us in front in the first half, and we decided to play it even tighter to try and hold on, but Rodrygo got a goal back and the fans feared the worst. However, when Donnaruma took out Boadu with a clumsy foul, it gave Guirassey the chance to step up and put the penalty away. The stats were tight in terms of chances on target, but Madrid as expected edged the game overall. ul Ian.
Maybe making Militao captain has made a difference? who knows, but hopefully results will continue to pick up, next up is a European quarter final.
Week 22
AC Milan 1-0 Fiorentina
We expected this to be a tough game, and so it proved. Both teams started with a countering style, and chances were limited for both sides. However, the outcome of the match hinged on a refereeing decision, when the ref was tricked by a blatant dive by Hernandez.
The resulting penalty was tucked away by Griezman, and it left a bitter taste in the mouth for the away supporters, who saw their side battle hard with no reward.
Sanches was the pick of the players for the away side, with several defenders also having a good game.
Coutinho picked up a 3 week injury, though maybe he had picked up on the rumours that he was about to be sold off to the free list, as this proved to be his last game for the club.
Week 23
Fiorentina 3-1 Feyenoord
Great performance from the lads, in this must win game at the bottom end of the table.
We had to make a few changes with the sales of Coutinho and Ayling, and suspension of Karsdorp, but the lads who came in played well, with Pedraza, Zeze and Suso all looking fresh and needing minutes. Suso got man of the match for his display, including the early goal. It was a dominant display in all honesty, and Casemiro and Guirassy got the other two goals.
The team look a bit more solid and confident, so hopefully we can start looking up the table rather than down, though we face a strong Roma side next, looking to get back on track themselves.
Week 24
Roma 2-2 Fiorentina
Another day, another point against one of the better sides.
We had to work hard for this one, and didn't really deserve it, but we will take it!
We were also privileged to witness Roma changing their tactics for us, going E not P!
They scored early and I feared the worst, but Suso scored against the run of play just before half time to level it.
Chilwell scored his second to put Roma back in front, but the late charge and goal from sub Lasme earnt an away point.
Positives - We moved up a place, woo!, Marmardvili had a good game, and finally got back to 25, Suso played well.
Downsides - We just sold both goal scorers! Mancini picked up a booking and ban.
Week 25
Fiorentina 3-1 Celtic
This is more like it, nice solid win at home.
It looked like being a cagey game, but we got an early penalty which led to some tactical changes in our favour.
It looked a reasonably close game on the stats, so ul Mati.
Is Sane the missing link? he scored and got man of the match on his debut, shame we've just sold him!
Kalulu also had a good game at the back, and Guirassy and Casermiro also played well.
6 points clear of the bottom 3 is a good feeling, though we have some tough games coming up.
DBC Cup
Game 6
Fiorentina 1-1 Sevilla
Good performance from the lads to seal top spot in our group.
We had already qualified, as had Sevilla pretty much, so took the chance to play 4 squaddies, and even with this we had the better of the play, though Sevilla played some too.
Sanches got man of the match, and Suso scored the goal.
Hopefully our Europe form will happen in the league at some point!
QF leg 1
Leverkusen 1-3 Fiorentina
Decent performance from the lads, despite the scare of going a goal behind.
Leverkusen started with the right tactics, but switched to the D once ahead, and fortunately we were able to score and get back into the game. It's by no means over and done though, with the second leg still to come. ul dude.
Good performances from Casemiro, Pedrazza and Militao, and we can welcome back Sanches for the next game, all good.
QF leg 2
Fiorentina 1-2 Leverkusen (3-2 on aggregate)
Fiorentina progress through to the semi-finals!
Though were made to sweat big time thanks to a quick fire double from Leverkusen in the first half to level the tie overall.
Both teams started with a cagey C, but Fiorentina had to come out of their shell once the goals flew in.
Based on the stats the score line was a little harsh, but Leverkusen were clinical early on. ul dude.
It took a second half penalty from Guirassy to settle the tie overall, and send the fans home happy.
Words 1834 so far
It’s been a busy month for Fiorentina, with the hectic league and European schedule in full swing.
There has also been lots of action off the pitch too, as players continue to come and go.
Let’s catch up on all the action!
Transfer news
Where do we start? Well, there are now no players at all left over from last season, as we said goodbye to the remaining two, Suso and Helik both leaving the club this month. In fact, I think there is only Marmardvili remaining from the team that started the season. The new arrivals this month so far are –
G_Mancini 28 ita 1 21 17 4 22 1 602 724 551 – Joined from West Ham, in a deal that took the older player De Vrij and cash in the opposite direction. It was nice to finally sign an Italian player, and he has the benefit of decent abs, and better passing than De Vrij too.
M_Pellegrino 20 arg 1 20 17 3 22 1 228 236 847 – Fantastic young auction signing, who joined the club this week for a bargain 42m. However, a deal has already been struck for him to move to Leeds, after much bidding for the young player.
L_Sane 29 ger 1 4 21 20 23 1 191 781 504 – The pacy German joined from Blackburn last week, in a deal that saw Suso and 30m head in the other direction. Again however, his stay will only be short lived, as he too will join Leeds next week.
Joselu 34 esp 1 6 14 20 27 1 134 79 487 – The experienced striker Joselu was signed to provide better forward cover, which was felt needed with the loss of Suso, Lasme and cash was the deal.
The big news this week however, was the deal with Leeds for Pellegrino, which initially was a player plus cash offer, but developed into a 3 for 3 deal, with some big players joining Fiorentina.
Incoming are –
L_Spinazzola 31 ita 1 22 19 15 27 1 358 698 985 – Another Italian joins the side, with fantastic triple skills, will add a lot to the team, the only downside is his age, which led to further adjustments being made to the deal which was initially an inquiry about Pellegrino.
N_Fekir 30 fra 1 5 23 19 29 1 216 112 490 – A very high rated midfielder, who has already scored 12 goals this season, obviously has an eye for goal. He will replace Casemiro, so is obviously a big upgrade on the dodgy Brazilian. Again, a little older than ideal, but is two years younger than Casemiro.
S_Chukwueze 26 nig 1 3 21 21 27 1 893 162 23 – Perhaps the best of the three, with great double skills, which has already attracted the attention of one club since his signing was announced. Chuk will replace the similar Sane, but has the benefit of being younger and having better shooting.
Many of these signings were only made possible by the risky sale of a couple of older players to the SHN list, with Ayling and Countinho leaving for a combined 83m. This left the club a little short for a week or two, but still managed to get some decent results, and enabled a nice boost to the squad overall.
League and European News
There has been a definite pick up in results during September, with some league wins even! The club remain near the bottom end of the table, but have pulled away a little from the bottom three, and have some of the clubs above them in their sights now. It will be an interesting end to the season, and some of the clubs in trouble have appointed caretakers and results are also picking up for them too.
Fiorentina have also progressed into the DBC cup semi-final stage, navigating the final two league games without problem, and squeaking past Leverkusen in the quarter finals.
Week 19
Juventus 0-0 Fiorentina
A hard earnt point on the road for Fiorentina, who seem to do well against the top sides.
Juve pussied out it has to be said, so scared of the likely Fiorentina counter that they changed tactics, and it ended up being a countering stalemate. gg Andy
There were good games for Militao and Cresswell at the back, and a Sanches did ok on his debut to help shore up the defence.
So at halfway we sit in a disappointing fourth from bottom, but hey, we did say our aim was to stay up, and so far we are on target!
We welcome back Boadu from suspension next week, and there may yet be further transfer activity
Week 20
Rangers 1-1 Fiorentina
A promising performance on the road for Fiorentina, despite it being only a point picked up.
It was a fairly even game, which we edged slightly, with two late goals balancing out the game.
It was disappointing to see Sanches go off injured early on, as the manager had hoped to see whether he would make a difference, it was his substitute Chiquinho who scored the 83rd minute goal that some dared to believe might be the winner, but Rangers struck back in the 87th minute to share the points.
There were good games for De Vrij and Kalulu at the back.
Next up is the small task of Real Madrid, and with Sanches out injured for two games it doesn't look hopeful
Week 21
Fiorentina 2-1 Real Madrid
Wow, we certainly didn't see this result coming. After finding wins so hard to come by in the league, we go and get only our third one against the league leaders.
We played it tight, with the hope to sneak a draw, and were a little fortunate to get a penalty in the second half to take the win.
Suso put us in front in the first half, and we decided to play it even tighter to try and hold on, but Rodrygo got a goal back and the fans feared the worst. However, when Donnaruma took out Boadu with a clumsy foul, it gave Guirassey the chance to step up and put the penalty away. The stats were tight in terms of chances on target, but Madrid as expected edged the game overall. ul Ian.
Maybe making Militao captain has made a difference? who knows, but hopefully results will continue to pick up, next up is a European quarter final.
Week 22
AC Milan 1-0 Fiorentina
We expected this to be a tough game, and so it proved. Both teams started with a countering style, and chances were limited for both sides. However, the outcome of the match hinged on a refereeing decision, when the ref was tricked by a blatant dive by Hernandez.
The resulting penalty was tucked away by Griezman, and it left a bitter taste in the mouth for the away supporters, who saw their side battle hard with no reward.
Sanches was the pick of the players for the away side, with several defenders also having a good game.
Coutinho picked up a 3 week injury, though maybe he had picked up on the rumours that he was about to be sold off to the free list, as this proved to be his last game for the club.
Week 23
Fiorentina 3-1 Feyenoord
Great performance from the lads, in this must win game at the bottom end of the table.
We had to make a few changes with the sales of Coutinho and Ayling, and suspension of Karsdorp, but the lads who came in played well, with Pedraza, Zeze and Suso all looking fresh and needing minutes. Suso got man of the match for his display, including the early goal. It was a dominant display in all honesty, and Casemiro and Guirassy got the other two goals.
The team look a bit more solid and confident, so hopefully we can start looking up the table rather than down, though we face a strong Roma side next, looking to get back on track themselves.
Week 24
Roma 2-2 Fiorentina
Another day, another point against one of the better sides.
We had to work hard for this one, and didn't really deserve it, but we will take it!
We were also privileged to witness Roma changing their tactics for us, going E not P!
They scored early and I feared the worst, but Suso scored against the run of play just before half time to level it.
Chilwell scored his second to put Roma back in front, but the late charge and goal from sub Lasme earnt an away point.
Positives - We moved up a place, woo!, Marmardvili had a good game, and finally got back to 25, Suso played well.
Downsides - We just sold both goal scorers! Mancini picked up a booking and ban.
Week 25
Fiorentina 3-1 Celtic
This is more like it, nice solid win at home.
It looked like being a cagey game, but we got an early penalty which led to some tactical changes in our favour.
It looked a reasonably close game on the stats, so ul Mati.
Is Sane the missing link? he scored and got man of the match on his debut, shame we've just sold him!
Kalulu also had a good game at the back, and Guirassy and Casermiro also played well.
6 points clear of the bottom 3 is a good feeling, though we have some tough games coming up.
DBC Cup
Game 6
Fiorentina 1-1 Sevilla
Good performance from the lads to seal top spot in our group.
We had already qualified, as had Sevilla pretty much, so took the chance to play 4 squaddies, and even with this we had the better of the play, though Sevilla played some too.
Sanches got man of the match, and Suso scored the goal.
Hopefully our Europe form will happen in the league at some point!
QF leg 1
Leverkusen 1-3 Fiorentina
Decent performance from the lads, despite the scare of going a goal behind.
Leverkusen started with the right tactics, but switched to the D once ahead, and fortunately we were able to score and get back into the game. It's by no means over and done though, with the second leg still to come. ul dude.
Good performances from Casemiro, Pedrazza and Militao, and we can welcome back Sanches for the next game, all good.
QF leg 2
Fiorentina 1-2 Leverkusen (3-2 on aggregate)
Fiorentina progress through to the semi-finals!
Both teams started with a cagey C, but Fiorentina had to come out of their shell once the goals flew in.
Based on the stats the score line was a little harsh, but Leverkusen were clinical early on. ul dude.
It took a second half penalty from Guirassy to settle the tie overall, and send the fans home happy.
Words 1834 so far
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