Dusan Vlahovic has now become a key figure in Fiorentina’s bitter relationship with Juventus, following in the footsteps of Roberto Baggio and Federico Chiesa.
The 22-year-old Serbian striker signed for the Bianconeri earlier today in a deal worth €80m in total, signing a five-and-a-half year deal with the Turin side. His move was not well received in Florence, with a number of insulting banners seen outside the Artemio Franchi stadium.
Fiorentina have a bitter mostly one-sided rivalry with Juventus, stemming from various incidents in the 1980’s and 1990’s, which peaked with the transfer of Roberto Baggio. The Italian forward’s transfer to the Bianconeri led to riots in the streets of Florence back in 1990, with some attacking the Viola’s headquarters.
Baggio later absolved himself to the Fiorentina faithful, however, on his return to the Tuscan capital. He refused to take a penalty against the Viola and was later seen tightly clutching a Viola scarf thrown onto the pitch whilst being substituted off, a sign of loyalty to the hurt fans.
Things peaked again in in the summer of 2017, when local star Federico Bernardeschi joined Juventus in a deal worth €40m after refusing to renew his contract with Fiorentina. Vulgar banners were again seen in Florence and the Viola fans have never forgiven the player.
Vlahovic is now the latest figure in this dispute. Despite scoring 17 goals in 21 Serie A appearances this season, Fiorentina fans will not remember his time in Tuscany with a smile, especially considering that he refused to listen to offers from any other clubs except the Bianconeri.
Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso has been derided in recent days as a result of Vlahovic’s move to Juventus, with many remembering his interview where he ruled out selling the Serbian to the Bianconeri. But it’s unfair to blame the Italian-American businessman, as the 22-year-old and his agent put the club in a position where they had no choice but to sell to their rivals.
Would be a shame if someone tackled him too hard
Rivalry? No offence to Fiorentina but they are not good enough to be called a rival to Juventus. The main rivals are Inter and AC Milan. They actually win stuff, and sign good players (well AC Milan used to!). That has always been the way.
Kris, not sure wishing an injury on a player is a good thing. Fiorentina fans need to grow up as Dusan has brought in a top price of $80M to their club which will allow them to reinvest. It would be far worse if he went on a free and Juve could have waited for him to do that but chose not to.
@kris That way of thinking is what is wrong in football and sports. I am glad the players have more sense than you do. and @Chris The recent seasons do not reflect on this historic rivalry. And the rivalry extends beyond the pitch between these two cities. Juve have the ability to buy a team. You have to give Fiorintina credit for scouting this talent. Or bringing it up through their youth teams.
@suckers, I am not a Viola fan. I just don’t like Juventus, their players and followers. No hate, they are not worth it.
@loserkris I am not a fan of either team. But also not a fan of playing dirty. Act like a man.