Fiorentina’s new European adventure began with a defeat: the first leg of the Conference League playoffs, a competition in which the Viola were finalists in the previous edition, losing 2-1 to West Ham, won by Rapid Vienna 1- 0, the penalty scored in the first half by Gruell was decisive. Vincenzo Italiano’s team was less brilliant and convincing compared to their league debut marked last Saturday by a 4-1 success against Genoa at the Marassi, this time they didn’t make an impact up front, they struggled to maneuver against a physically fitter opponent and he paid for a naivety in defense. Nothing is compromised given that there will be the second leg next Thursday at the Franchi where Fiorentina will be able to count on the support of their fans who were absent today due to the disqualification imposed by UEFA for the scuffles in Basel last season. But obviously Biraghi and his teammates will have to be better at exploiting their greater quality and be more pungent in attack.
All’Allianz S
Rapid Vienna – Fiorentina
tadion, the Italian confirmed the formation lined up in the first championship for 10/11, the only exception being Dodò in place of the unavailable Kayode. Arthur and Mandragora confirmed in the midfield, forward Nzola as central striker supported by Brekalo, Bonaventura and Nico Gonzalez who Joe Barone, shortly before the match, officially removed from the market after the no the day before yesterday to the 43 million Brentford assault . For the various Amrabat and Jovic, excluded from the UEFA list and remained in Florence, the club awaits offers that have not yet arrived. But Fiorentina tried not to get distracted by the market: the match against Rapid was too important and above all more difficult than feared. The Austrian team supported by the public created more than one danger right from the start with Gruell, Hofmann and Schick. The Viola tried to take the initiative and give rhythm to their plays but the opponents closed well and neither Nzola, underserved, nor Gonzalez and Bonaventura managed to engage Hedl. As the minutes went by, Rapid asserted their physicality and shortly after the half hour passed with a penalty awarded for a retention by Mandragora (booked) on Hofmann. Gruell made no mistake from the penalty spot, thus celebrating his 100th appearance with his club.
Rapid Vienna – Fiorentina
Fiorentina was feeling the pinch and until the interval they were unable to react as they could. While in the second half the Viola attacked with their heads down but with frenzy and this didn’t help to undermine Rapid’s closed defence. The Italian played the Sottil card for the disappointing Brekalo to make his team more incisive and unpredictable. Which, however, while giving signs of reaction, was unable to unblock itself inside a clogged area. Shortly after they made their European debut Infantino entered for Bonaventura appeared not very happy to leave the battle, and then in the final the other Argentine Beltran entered for Nzola. Space also in Quarta for Ranieri blocked by cramps and Duncan for Mandragora. The Viola closed forward in search of a draw which would have allowed them to better prepare for the return match, but Infantino’s shot triggered by Beltran was rejected by Hedl. Fiorentina’s match ended here pending the return. ”We paid for a lackluster first half but the reaction in the second half gives me hope” said Italiano.
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2023-08-24 19:46:07
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