Fiorentina Season Preview 2014/15 – More of the Same

Date: 26th August 2014 at 9:04am
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Despite coming on in leaps and bounds in recent years, Fiorentina are still a club that develops it’s young players, only for the big heavyweights to come and snatch their young talents away. Steven Jovetic, Adem Ljajic, and now Juan Cuadrado are the best examples, with the latter attracting interest from Manchester United and Barcelona.

Cuadrado was able to showcase his speed and tenacity in the World Cup, not only raising his profile but also his price-tag. Coach Vincenzo Montella would prefer to have the Colombian in his team come the start of the season, but realises he is powerless to preventing the player leaving.

For La Viola, the success of their season could largely depend on the fitness of Giuseppe Rossi. The former Villarreal man has been beset by injury in recent years, with former Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli overlooking the 27 year-old for the World Cup much to Rossi’s disappointment.

Keen to prove his doubters wrong, Rossi will be looking to exceed the 16 goals he managed in Serie A last season. Although he is a relatively new addition to the squad, it’s vital that Rossi shoulders his share of the responsibility up front, with star striker Mario Gomez under immense pressure to deliver the same end product.

Two serious injuries meant Gomez had a very unproductive season by his standards. His four goals in all competitions will be easy to best; providing he can remain fit as well. As far as the team is concerned, there aren’t many new faces in Fiorentina’s team, with Montella seemingly content with his squad. It is important that they continue to play in the same way, without becoming too predictable or outclassed in Serie A.

Transfers

La Viola have gone about their business quietly without too many shocks or scares. In fact the most bizzare of their transfers was the departure of both Ante Rebic and Marvin Compper to RB Leipzig. Although Rebic has only left the club on loan, he was considered a promising young player and one that had a place in the coach’s plans.

The one real source of concern this summer has been the future of Cuadrado, who has been courted by both Barcelona and Manchester United. The Colombian international has been an integral part of Montella’s team, providing speed and skill on the right flank since arriving in 2012. However, with only a short time left on the market, it could be the case that Cuadrado is still playing in Florence once the window shuts.

In come Steve Beleck from Udinese and Octavio from Botafogo, both will act as supporting players for the first team players. One of the interesting recruits is Josh Brillante, who could bring a degree of tenacity to the midfield in the absence of Massimo Ambrosini. Steaua Bucharest goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu comes in to provide competition for Brazilian keeper Neto, while experienced defender Jose Maria Basanta completes the summer additions.

Although there have been some shrewd, intelligent signings, is it enough to get an improvement on last seasons finish? A Fiorentina team free of injuries is a strong Serie A side with big ambitions. However, they have not invested too heavily in the team and are relying on the squad Montella has already put together.

Montella - FiorentinaThe Coach – Vincenzo Montella

Vincenzo Montella came agonisingly close to lifting the Coppa Italia last season, but was pipped in the final by Napoli. He is viewed by many as the most promising of young coaches in Italy with the exception of Antonio Conte.

His Fiorentina team play an attractive, attacking style of football which has gained them many admirers both in Italy and overseas.

He has resisted the urge to move to bigger clubs with in Italy, despite strong interest from the likes of AC Milan. He is a coach who demands respect from his players and opponents, as he aims to do everything in his power to take Fiorentina back to the Champions League.

Season Expectations

Like most seasons, the objective for Fiorentina is the Champions League. As the most effective and lucrative of ways to announce themselves on the European stage, Fiorentina will hoping to return to the glory days when Gabriel Batistuta and Rui Costa graced the Artemio Franchi. They have come close in recent seasons, but the time has come to squeeze past their opponents and pip them to the finish line.

Prediction

Increased competition from Inter and Lazio means Fiorentina’s task becomes much more difficult. Although they have developed their game and become a force in Italy, the lacklustre performances of some of their rivals has played a big part in their league positioning. Both Lazio and Inter have reinforced heavily this summer, while Milan still pose a threat as the season develops.

Where will they finish? 5th place.

Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156

 

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