ACF
Fiorentina comfortably beat Catania 2-0 at Florence’s Artemio Franchi stadium,
but could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Parma F.C.
Fiorentina’s
dealings in the transfer market have already proved fruitful, with the
restructured team playing well against Catania. Top goal scorer Stefan Jovetic
was once again on the scoresheet, putting Fiorentina ahead just before
half-time with a beautiful shot outside the opposition box. On his return to
the Franchi stadium, Luca Toni was greeted by a standing ovation when he
replaced Adem Ljajic in the 64th minute, and the veteran striker duly rolled
back the years to score the second goal in front of an ecstatic curva fiesole with his first touch of
the ball.
In
Parma, Fiorentina started off where they had left against Catania, producing a
confident and measured first-half display. Argentine defender Facundo Roncaglia
gave Fiorentina the lead after 19 minutes with a wonderful strike hit from 35
yards out. Unfortunately, Parma reacted after the break, in what became a
thrilling second half, with missed penalty kicks on both sides. Deep into extra
time, Parma was awarded a second penalty after Toni handled the ball inside the
box, an opportunity that Jaime Valdes converted to equal the game.
Fiorentina
played archrivals Juventus on September 25, after TF 169 went to press. The
Viola next face Inter at the San Siro stadium on September 30 at 8:45pm, then
Bologna, at home, on October 7 at 3pm.
