Football Season Guide

The past season was a disappointing one for Fiorentina, who failed to qualify to the Europea League almost at the very end. However, for a very short time during the summer, they were given the opportunity of a participation to the European competitions as Milan had been punished by UEFA for some financial issues. Unfortunately for them, it turned out to be just an illusion as the Devils were re-admitted to the tournament. However, coach Stefano Pioli was confirmed at the helm of the team also for the current campaign: after all, in the past season he did the best he possibly could, considering the squad at his disposal. First of all, Fiorentina got rid of a few players who failed to impress during their permanence with the Viola. Thus, Marco Sportiello was let go back to his parent club, Atalanta, having always looked a bit too unsure of himself and unreliable between the posts. Gil Dias and Diego Falcinelli also travelled back to AS Monaco and Sassuolo respectively and they will not be missed. More fringe players are also expected to leave in the next weeks. On the other hand, they lost Milan Badelj, their leader in the middle of the park, as he opted not to renew his contract and this is going to be a huge loss. Unlike the past campaigns, Fiorentina made some efforts in order to strengthen themselves and fill those holes created by all the departures. So, Alban Lafont came from Toulouse and he will become the regular goalkeeper. Federico Ceccherini could become a protagonist in the heart of the defence, replacing the late captain Davide Astori. The rather unknown Czech David Hancko and Lorenzo Venuti, returning from Benevento, could represent valid alternatives to Vincent Laurini and Cristiano Biraghi at full-backs. No player arrived for the middle of the park as Bryan Dabo will be given a more regular status following some positive performances late in the past campaign. And this could actually be a problem for Pioli in case of injury. In the attack, Kevin Mirallas, Gerson and Martin Graiciar could all be given playing chances on the wings. If nothing else, Fiorentina managed to confirm Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Simeone who, together, in the past campaign were accountable for 20 goals and 14 assists.