With the biggest game of the season looming, how are Fiorentina gearing up to face Juventus?
Words: Jack Stevens
For Stefano Pioli and Fiorentina, the season boils down to the the cataclysmic clash against Juventus on Friday evening.
With the biggest game of the season looming, how are Fiorentina gearing up to face Juventus?
Words: Jack Stevens
For Stefano Pioli and Fiorentina, the season boils down to the the cataclysmic clash against Juventus on Friday evening.
“Better to be second than thieves” Florence said after they shuddered with rage at Juventus’ controversial win against Catanzaro in 1982 which took the title to Turin. Fiorentina’s hatred of Juventus to this day continues, and in what has been a hopeless, deflating season for the Gigliati, a victory against Juventus would top anything they could possibly achieve from here on in. Few speak to Fiorentina fans with more gravity than Giancaro Antognini, and his declaration that this is “THE Game” of the season for Fiorentina rings true.
Focus on the derby preparations has very much been at the forefront for La Viola, as they force speculation around Chiesa to the background for the meantime. Rumors of Napoli preparing a bid in excess of €40 million is currently circulating, and given the transfer of Bernardeschi to the Old Lady in the summer, talk around Chiesa holds new significance. Bernardeschi’s defection was painful for Viola fans, and his return to the Artemio Franchi should ignite an atmospheric powder keg. If Fiorentina were to lose Chiesa it would further destroy fans’ relationship with an already lamented board.
However, when Friday comes around Chiesa will undoubtedly embody the passion of the Fiorentina faithful, and he alone possesses the power to sprinkle pride upon a forgettable season. Marco Beanssi further stoked the fire, declaring that the game is “like a derby for me”. The former Torino man featured in the Dery della Mole for Torino on numerous occasions, and his extra emotional impetus will only help harness that emotion they require to pin back a formidable Juventus side.
Pioli is very likely to stick to his guns in this one and trust in his routine first 11. Sportiello is expected to be screened by a back four of Laurini, Pezzella, Astori and Biraghi, with Badelj, Benassi and Veretout making up the usual midfield trifecta. Florence’s pride and joy Federico Chiesa is primed to be the key in attack for the Viola, with Giovanni Simeone spearheading the front line. Cyril Thereau, the 34-year-old Frenchman has been a welcome source of experience in an incredibly youthful team, and has started 16 out of 23 games this season. A late contender for Thereau’s place could be Gil Dias, who was bright in their win over Bologna in the Derby dell’Appennino.
A victory over Juventus is all important in this seasons edition one of the most ferocious match ups in calcio. Given Fiorentina’s superfluous campaign, Pioli knows that a poor performance against the Old Lady will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.