STADIO ARTEMIO FRANCHI (FLORENCE) – Fiorentina and Bologna drew 0-0 at the Stadio Franchi on Sunday afternoon, in Vincenzo Montella’s first game back in charge of the Viola.
Montella, who was on the Fiorentina bench between 2012 and 2015, fielded a side very similar to that of his predecessor Stefano Pioli, and the Viola performance was in line with the mediocrity of this season, in which they collected more draws than any other side – 17 – and are now winless in eight matches.
The last time Fiorentina lost against Bologna was back in 2013 and Montella was on the Viola bench at the time. Since then the Viola have won seven and drawn two of nine meetings with Bologna before today, adding to their unbeaten record against the Rossoblu.
Bologna had won four of the last five games prior to this clash, and Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men confirmed their good form, with a solid performance that puts them three points clear of the drop zone.
In protest against Fiorentina owners Diego and Andrea Della Valle, the Viola ultras did not take their place in the Curva Fiesole for the entire first half, causing a strange atmosphere that lead to a very slow start to the game in a rainy afternoon.
Saying that, Fiorentina did have the better chances initially, with Giovanni Simeone making a great run but then being denied by Lukas Skorupski. The Bologna goalkeeper was quick to react moments later, punching away a powerful Bryan Dabo strike.
The second half started with a loud Curva Fiesole chanting against the Della Valle brothers, and in reaction the Viola tried to raise the level of their game. Federico Chiesa had two attempts in the space of two minutes, first firing narrowly wide, then putting the second straight at Skorupski.
The best chance came for Fiorentina, as Luis Muriel found himself one-on-one with Skorupski, but rushed his shot and sent the ball straight at the goalkeeper. Muriel again was again the protagonist later on, as his curled delivery turned into a shot that struck the post.
Bologna’s first real chance came in the final 10 minutes, as Jordan Veretout was dispossessed as the last man in midfield, leaving plenty of space for the Rossoblu on the counter, but Mihajlovic’s men were too slow and Alban Lafont was able to deny Riccardo Orsolini.
Nobody was able to find the back of the net, as the Rossoblu added to their positive streak and Fiorentina were unable to get back to winning ways.
NO DIFFERENT TO PIOLI
It’s very early days, of course, and no one expected to see any difference tactically or in style by Montella’s side after so little time, but what could have been expected was a different spirit by Fiorentina. Instead, the Viola were the same soulless side seen too many times this season under Pioli. Fiorentina not only lacked ideas, pace and quality for most of the game, but also grit and the necessary mentality to put pressure on the opponent. No doubt Montella will work on this to try motivate a group of players that still have the Coppa Italia to fight for.
THE WAY FORWARD
Bologna changed their coach in January, and since then it’s been a very different season for the Rossoblu. Having climbed out of the drop zone with a series of positive performances, the solidity shown against Fiorentina is key to their survival in Serie A. They hardly created anything against the Viola, having a bad day up front, but also conceded very little, having clear ideas of how to defend, being physically strong and tactically well positioned. Mihajlovic can be pleased.
