ACF
Fiorentina are firing on all cylinders, taking 10 points from 12 in the last
four games, and moving within two points of a Champions League place. A growing
sense of optimism has enfolded the Franchi stadium, with the fans chanting
Montella’s name and already talking of next season’s European challenge.
Chievo Verona 1-1 Fiorentina. With the Viola’s stars returning from the
international break somewhat heavy-legged, this was game that turned out to be
more even than had been expected. Cyril Théréau put Chievo ahead after 17
minutes with a fine finish, but Viola defender Gonzalo Rodríguez levelled a
minute later from a corner kick. The second half produced some pulsating
football, with both sides wasting chances to win.
Fiorentina 2-0 Lazio. Fiorentina needed two wonder-goals to see
off nine-man Lazio on October 28, in a game that was riddled with controversial
refereeing decisions. Young Serbian striker Adem Ljajic opened the scoring just
before half-time, driving a rocket from outside the box past the helpless Lazio
goalkeeper. In the dying minutes of the game, Luca Toni doubled the Viola’s
lead with a fine swivelling shot from the six-yard box.
Genoa 0-1 Fiorentina. On
November 1, the Viola travelled to Genoa to face Montella’s old club, where
they won their first away game this season. After 14 minutes, captain Manuel
Pasqual turned on the pace to beat his ex-teammate, Sébastien Frey. The game
fizzled out in the second half, with the Viola midfield once again dictating
proceedings.
Fiorentina 4-1 Cagliari. Fiorentina
produced one of their finest displays this season, comfortably easing past
Cagliari at the Franchi stadium. Viola centre-back Gonzalo Rodríguez scored his
second goal this season with a header from a corner kick. While Cagliari
equalised through a goal from the young Federico Casarini, goals from Viola
strikers Stefan Jovetic and Luca Toni shortly after the break settled the game.
Substitute Guillermo Cuadrado rubber-stamped all three points by scoring
Fiorentina’s fourth goal in the 84th minute.
Next up: Fiorentina’s next game is away,
at AC Milan on November 11 at 3pm. They then play Atalanta at home on November
18 at 3pm.
