How’s it going on guys and welcome back to the ABTFM blog. Today, we are back with another chapter of the Fiorentina Journey. In last chapter, we have covered the new players that we signed in the Summer Transfer Window. Before the window closes, we have actually made our managerial debut in the Italian league against Crotone. So, here we are looking back to our first game with Fiorentina and make a post-match analysis. Without further ado, let’s get started now!
Vs Crotone
We are jumping straight into the result itself. It was an amazing debut for me in the Italian league because we dominated the game and won 3-0. The lads had given me their 100% in the game. Some of their performance was even better in the pre-season like Dusan Vlahovic and Marco Benassi.
A couple of players made their Fiorentina debut as well in the first game. Mario Hermoso started as the left centre back, playing alongside the captain, German Pezzella. Thilo Kehrer also started as the right back. Matteo Politano played as the right winger, replacing Federico Chiesa as our first choice Inverted Winger.
Post-match Analysis
Now, let’s have a look at the match stats. As I mentioned before, we dominated the game, although the possession is 50/50. I had a total of 19 shots, 11 on target, 1 clear cut chances and 7 half chances which is crazy good. Crotone is obviously a weaker team, but I am still happy with the great performance.
Looking at the player ratings, there are a lot of greens. My backline was solid and all of the defenders received at least 7.1 in the game. My midfielders were exceptional. Riccardo Saponara once again playing at the centre midfielder position as a Mezzala. He did not score this time, but he did provide 1 assist and sent out 2 key passes and created 1 chance. Marco Benassi started as the Box to Box midfielder today, made 3 key passes with 1 chance created, and scored an amazing long shot. Unfortunately, Matteo Politano’s performance did not stand out compared to the other attackers. The 17 years old winger Nicola Tagliaferri made 3 key passes and created 2 chances in the game. He also provided an assist to Dusan Vlahovic. Vlahovic did not perform well in the pre-season, however, in this game, he scored 2 goals and created 1 chance, which is very impressive. Riccardo Sottil also had a great game even though he only played for around 35 minutes. He made 3 key passes and created 2 chances, receiving a 7.0 rating at the end of the match.
Goals
Dusan Vlahovic (13’) –
It is now 12 minutes on the clock and both teams are still looking for a goal. Fiorentina’s left back Cristiano Biraghi is pushing forward at the left flank. He is aiming for the far post. The ball meets Dusan Vlahovic’s head and he scores the opener for Fiorentina! The striker wins the header and puts it into the back of the net. 1-0 to Fiorentina.
Marco Benassi (28’) –
Thilo Kehrer is holding the ball at the byline, looking for a cross. He passes back to Riccardo Saponara. Saponara squares the ball first time for Marco Benassi, who is unmarked at the edge of the box. Benassi takes a shot! Oh my word! What a goal! It’s 2-0 for Fiorentina in the 28th minute.
Dusan Vlahovic (53’) –
Thilo Kehrer is pushing forward at the right flank. He makes an early cross towards the far post, looking for Tagliaferri. The 17-year-old winger wins the header. Goal for Fiorentina FC! Dusan Vlahovic receives the ball from Nicola Tagliaferri and heads it into the empty net. The keeper has no chance! 3-0 to Fiorentina.
Praising players
Once again, I am very happy with our performance. We scored 3 goals in a single match and also kept a clean sheet. I am going to praise a few players here even though we still have a long season to go.
German Pezzella – Our captain Pezzella is having a good time at the back since pre-season. He is as solid as a rock. He may not make a lot of tackles, but he can win header very well. With Hermoso playing alongside him, I am very confident that he can be one of our key players in this season.
Riccardo Saponara – I love this guy. He is not a natural centre midfielder, however, we have been playing him at the centre midfielder position since pre-season. As a Mezzala, he has been very creative in the midfield, linking up the play between our Deep Lying Playmaker and the attackers. From the Extended Highlights, I have seen him making a couple of great passes and great dribbles. I can’t wait to see him to deliver an even better performance in this season.
Nicola Tagliaferri – From the first day, I already said that this guy is going to be a world class player in the future. My opinion remains unchanged. From pre-season until now, he has been banging quite a few goals and provides a few assists from the left winger position. I am very excited to see his development at the end of the season. Hopefully, he could be our key player as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In short, I think I am already having a lot of fun in Fiorentina. We are aiming for Europa League qualification, but I am actually quite ambitious right now and might try to go for the Champions League qualification. I know it sounds a bit crazy after playing only 1 game. However, I am very confident with the squad I have right now.
That’s all for today’s chapter. I hope you guys enjoy reading the Fiorentina Journey and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @abt_fm to join the discussion of football. Also, do check out my other series in my blog like the Tactics Recreation, where I try to replicate a tactics from a team and put it into another team, stimulating the season and see what the result is. Once again, thank you for your support and I will see you guys in the next chapter. Take care!
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