As the first half of the Serie A season drew to a close with a goalless draw against Torino, Fiorentina prepares for its next game versus Catania. The Viola outfit has gone four games without a defeat, maintaining a five-point margin over Napoli and keeping hopes alive for a Champions League spot.
Manager Vincenzo Montella’s job has not been as smooth sailing as expected, however. Injuries and setbacks in the recovery of certain key players are proving sizeable obstacles and prevented Fiorentina from performing at its best during the uneventful Turin match.
Attack-less
Mario Gómez is still battling with his recovery from the knee injury that has kept him off the pitch for almost four months. Initial diagnosis had suggested that the German would be fit to play in two to two-and-a-half months’ time, but his return has been postponed multiple times. There is still considerable doubt as to the timing of his return, and the German forward has expressed distrust of the club’s medical staff, seeking a second and third opinion.
Giuseppe Rossi has been sidelined with an injury similar to Gómez’s. Everyone feared the worst for Rossi, as the attacker had already suffered a terrible injury to his right knee during his time at Villarreal. Fortunately, the injury was not as severe this time around, with no ruptured ligaments. Rossi is currently in the United States, where he will proceed with his recovery and rehabilitation. A final report on his conditions is expected to arrive in about 20 days’ time.
Matri signs, Anderson close
Luckily for Fiorentina and manager Montella, the January transfer market gives a glimmer of hope for the Viola outfit.
The priority was to sign an attacker, as both Gómez and Rossi are out for the foreseeable. Sporting director Daniele Pradè lost no time in closing a deal for AC Milan’s forward Alessandro Matri. The former Juventus and Cagliari attacker is waiting to undergo medicals before signing a six-month loan deal.
Fiorentina’s acquisitions will not stop with Matri’s arrival as Montella has asked the club for another reinforcement in midfield. The favorite in this case seems to be Manchester United’s Anderson, who could prove a useful addition to the Viola.
Finally, Fiorentina are also eyeing up a substitute goalkeeper to take Gustavo Munúa’s place. The names reckoned to be on the club’s shortlist are Tatarusanu (the Romanian goalkeeper) and Rosati (now Pegolo’s second at Sassuolo).
