Rampant Viola thrash Inter

On February 17, ACF Fiorentina produced a scintillating performance at Florence’s Artemio Franchi Stadium, beating Internazionale 4-1. It was the first time Fiorentina had the upper hand over Inter Milan since 2006. The victory ensured that the Viola remain within touching distance of the European qualification places. Throughout the game, the Florence team's tactics worked superbly: Vincenzo Montella neutralized Inter’s counterattacking football through his three ball-playing midfielders, Borja Valero, Alberto Aquilani and David Pizarro.

It took Fiorentina only 13 minutes to go ahead, with Adem Ljajić heading home from close range. Stevan Jovetić doubled the Viola’s lead when he unleashed an unstoppable shot from outside the box after 33 minutes. The Montenegrin striker then scored his second goal of the game, and his 11th of the season, 10 minutes after half time. After 65 minutes, Ljajić added shine to the scoreboard through a curving shot from outside the box. Antonio Cassano salvaged some honour for Inter through a late goal, courtesy of another long-distance strike.

Transfer rumours. Fiorentina have made contact with agents of Jordy Clasie, regarding a potential summer transfer. The Dutch international midfielder, 21, played an important role for Feyenoord Rotterdam this season.

Next up. The Bologna–Fiorentina fixture slated for February 24 was postponed because of adverse weather conditions and rescheduled for February 26, after TF 178 went to press. You can read the match report in TF 179.

Fiorentina then play Chievo Verona on March 3 at 3pm at home. They then take on Lazio away on March 10 at 8:45pm.