Just what are we going to do with Fiorentina? No less than a week ago after their 3-0 triumph at Novara. Coach Delio Rossi was hailing the success of the 3-5-2 formation, and many anticipated a corner had been turned.
And yet what followed was a Coppa Italia exit to Roma on Wednesday, then a defeat at home to Serie A’s bottom side Lecce on Sunday afternoon. The fans saw red and took matters into their own hands.
During the Lecce game the Viola fans demanded the club spend more money. They also took aim at the players demanding they work harder. What transpired after the game wasn’t pretty. As the fans carried out a series of verbal attacks at the directors in the VIP stand.
Club president Mario Cognigni was spat on as he tried to avoid the scene. Another director Paolo Panerai refused to leave his seat and consequently was spat on also. Club owner Andrea Delle Valle watched the second half safely from inside the stadium.
The angry Viola Fans some 600 strong also tried to gain access to the players dressing room, but were restrained by police. The mob then blocked the exits of the Artemio Franchi stadium, in an effort to keep players and directors blocked in.
The fans message is clear and simple, but will do little to cure the unrest in the team. And far from any concerns on the coaching side, it seems Fiorentina’s problems run deeper within. The common criticism being lack of motivation on the field, coupled with little action in the transfer market. Finishing in a European place this season is therefore an unrealistic prospect given the current situation.
With the possible exits of Riccardo Montolivo, Juan Manuel Vargas and Alessio Cerci. Fiorentina director of sport Pantaleo Corvino may be faced with the task of a total revamp within his squad for the second half of the season. One gets the impression Corvino will have to abandon the introduction of youth players, and target more experienced Serie A campaigners.
A Francesco Lodi or Andrea Cossu wouldn’t go a miss in midfield. Perhaps the introduction of a young but capable centre back in Davide Astori. And still no news of a clear replacement for Alberto Gilardino yet. Although Brazilian striker Amauri is in talks over a possible transfer from Juventus. And the out of favor Ajax striker Mounir El Hamdaoui has also been linked.
The critical fans are tired of hearing words though, and demand action. No one will want a repeat of the ugly scenes that occurred on Sunday. It’s a harsh but firm warning shot to the Fiorentina high brass, that action must be taken immediately. Or worse may follow.
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