It is a fantastic place for the Scaligeri to finish despite the disappointment of missing out on Europa League qualification after conceding two late equalisers against Lazio and Udinese, and losing 5-1 to rivals Napoli in the final game didn’t help either.
The season got off to a storming start with Jorginho, Luca Toni and Juan Manuel Iturbe starring but benefiting from being surrounded by a consistent band of teammates. The 2-1 home win over AC Milan set the season off on the right track and the Gialloblu’s form at the Stadio Bentegodi was imperious during the first half of the season.
With three losses and one win, January saw some difficulties after key midfielder Jorginho was sold to Napoli, but the Mastini’s worst month was certainly March when they lost four consecutive games without scoring goal. Yet after that horrible spell, Hellas rallied and dragged themselves back into contention for Europa League qualification. However, despite their best efforts, that would prove to be bridge too far.
Verona’s success has been based on having a strong identity with coach Andrea Mandorlini long-established in the job. Virtually every game they line up with a counterattacking 4-3-3 and have been spurred on by the enthusiasm around the club and in the stands after years in exile.
There is a good balance between skilful players, hard-working consistent performers. The old and the young. Players with Serie A experience and those who helped win promotion and all these factors have created a team that know who they are and what they can do.
Player of the Season
This is not a difficult one to call as he has been one of the greatest players in entire league. Naturally, it is the 36-year-old Luca Toni with his remarkable 20 goals from 34 games. His seven assists also came in handy and should not be overlooked.
He fitted perfectly into the 4-3-3 system as the target man, getting the goals and complementing the wingers alongside him. Jorginho would have given Toni a run for his money, but he betrayed the cause to move to Napoli in January and must be discounted.
Goal of the Season
Many of the Gialloblu’s goals have been quite similar, resulting from quick breaks on the counterattack and consequently there’s not been a huge number of screamers. One exception was Massimo Donati’s long-range strike away at Atalanta which meant a lot also as the Scaligeri won by the one goal in Bergamo.
The former Celtic midfielder controlled the ball on his chest about 20 metres out from goal before ruthlessly blasting it past Andrea Consigli and into the top right corner. He then stood awkwardly on the spot as he refused to celebrate against his old club.
An honourable mention also goes to Toni’s third away at Bologna. It was a wonderful team goal with Iturbe linking up wonderfully with Juanito Gomez before setting up Toni to slot home. The goal was also significant as it helped secure Verona’s first away win in the league at the fourth attempt.
Best and Worst Signings
The best signing is a tight affair beween Toni and Iturbe but in the end the nomination has to go to the 36-year-old. He cost nothing from Fiorentina and arrived with little expectation but has thrived at Verona, enjoying himself and propelling the Mastini up the table.
Iturbe is also a great signing as his increased profile and reputation should allow Verona to cash in on the young star. None the less, the team’s reliance on Toni’s goals and his performance in his second youth just trump the financial benefits of signing the young Argentine star.
The worst signing seems a harsh award to bestow on anybody considering the success of Verona’s season. It is cruel to give the worst signing award to players who have had little playing time but Nikolay Mihaylov arrived as a Bulgarian international and expected to be the first choice in goal. He was unfortunate to be kept out of the team by the great form of Rafael and so it seems the goalkeeper will look to leave at the end of the season.
One area where the Gialloblu have had some difficult in strengthening has been up front where the cracks have been papered over by Toni’s great form. 22-year-old Samuele Longo is the kind of player that does well at Verona and he could have used his time at the club to better his reputation and get back on track. But the man on loan from Inter only made two substitute appearances before being recalled by Inter and shipped off to Rayo Vallecano.
Another striker who has yet to make an impact is the Czech Michael Rabusic who has started once and came on from the bench three times since joining from Liberec in January. He is yet to impress but deserves more time next season as it would have been difficult for anybody to keep Toni out of the team this season.
Overall, things are looking good in Verona. Mandorlini seems sure to renew his contract and stay next season which is a vital step as the Gialloblu can now look ahead to next year reassured that Mandorlini will be at the helm and seek to further consolidate their Serie A status.
