A breath of fresh air came to kick off a new era at Fiorentina, as Rocco Commisso took over the club from the Della Valle brothers, putting an end to a big chunk of La Viola’s history that was sadly becoming redundant and mediocre.
With enthusiasm, energy and strong words, Commisso has put himself forward as a man who wants to invest money and time into the club to bring it to success – i.e. trophies.
The transfer window is definitely an upgrade on last season – with some much needed additions and Federico Chiesa staying – but not as explosive as it was meant to be. Fiorentina still need to find the right identity under Vincenzo Montella, and have many players still who were meant to be gone by now.
The aim initially will be to entertain and give the fans a reason to be hopeful of, rather than the disillusioned supporters of the last couple of years. It’s hard work for all involved, but this should be enough to set a foundation this season, and then look at the 2020/21 campaign as that in which Fiorentina can fight for Europe again.
Summer Dealings – 6/10
When Rocco Commisso took over, everyone expected Fiorentina to go hard on the transfer window, especially when sporting director Daniele Pradé said most of last year’s players would be leaving. The truth is, not much happened.
By bringing in Milan Badelj, Erick Pulgar and Pol Lirola, Fiorentina have finally solved two of the main issues with last season’s team: a right back and solid, quality, midfielders. With Kevin-Prince Boateng come goals and media attention.
However, most of the team is the same that risked relegation, and Daniele De Rossi and Radja Nainggolan rejecting the Viola aren’t good signs. Crucial to hold on to Federico Chiesa – the one true difference maker the team has – but it ought to be considered that perhaps selling him could have brought in the cash needed to mould the squad into what coach Vincenzo Montella needs. In the remaining two weeks we can expect Fiorentina to bring in a big name, but until then it has been a fairly average summer – disappointing given the promises.
Key man – Federico Chiesa
The Viola’s one true victory on the transfer window is holding on to Chiesa. With 12 goals in 41 games last season, as well as being Fiorentina’s only real attacking threat, he proved to be absolutely vital for this side. He will be the main man again, inevitably, giving pace and flair to Montella’s passing game.
One to watch – Bartlomiej Dragowski
With a new deal penned down, Fiorentina have given him the role of starting goalkeeper. He wasn’t convincing in purple in the past, but his last months on loan at Empoli have shown great raw talent that can grow. Fiorentina haven’t been in safe hands in goal roughly since the Sebastien Frey era – ages ago. Could he finally be the right choice?
The Coach – Vincenzo Montella
His playing style is clear: control possession, defend high up the pitch and put technique at the centre of his game. Of course, he needs the right men for this to happen, and having added quality in midfield is key. We will see a more entertaining Fiorentina to that of Stefano Pioli, but the risk is a team that is clumsy at the back. Montella’s success this season will depend on finding the right balance as quickly as possible.
Prediction – 10th
The squad looks better than recent years, and the enthusiasm is finally back, but the other clubs have also improved and overall Fiorentina don’t have what it takes to be a threaten for a European spot.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com