While ACF Fiorentina’s style of play has shown much
promise this season, their recent results have perhaps left something to be desired.
They collected four points from nine by drawing 0-0 at home to Juventus, losing
2-1 to Inter Milan, and winning 1-0 at home to Bologna.
Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus. The Viola hosted archrivals Juventus at the Artemio
Franchi stadium on September 25. Fiorentina may have created more goal-scoring
opportunities, and Stefan Jovetic hit the crossbar early on, but the reigning
champions showed why they have gone unbeaten for 46 Serie A games, producing a
sturdy defensive display. Viola goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano remained untested
for the 90 minutes, and the game limped to a goal-less conclusion.
Inter Milan 2-1 Fiorentina. The Viola travelled to Milan’s San Siro on September
30 to play Inter. Unfortunately for the Viola, Inter were awarded an early
penalty which Diego Milito duly converted. Antonio Cassano doubled the
Nerazzuri’s advantage when he scored on 34 minutes. Fiorentina rallied before
the break, and Brazilian right-back Romulo closed the gap when he headed in a
goal after 42 minutes. Nevertheless, Gonzalo Rodríguez’s dismissal for a second
bookable offense after 60 minutes ended the visitors’ hopes of denying Inter
their first home win of the season, and the game finished 2-1.
Fiorentina 1-0 Bologna. Fiorentina were finally able to break their winless
run on October 7 by beating Bologna 1-0 at home. A heavy reliance on the
effervescent talent of Stefan Jovetic is becoming the theme of the Viola
season, and this game was no different. Thankfully, it took the star-striker
only 7 minutes to put Fiorentina ahead with a skilful flick after a corner
kick. Midfielder Borja Valero is becoming increasingly important to Montella’s
team, and he again produced a high-class performance by dictating play for most
of the game, and Fiorentina were rarely under pressure.
The Viola now go into the international break high on
confidence, sitting 5th in the Serie A table. Their next game is at 3pm on
October 21 away to Chievo Verona, and their next home match is at 3pm on October
28 against Lazio.
