The curtain falls and the lights dim as another season draws to a finish. The play will start again, but who knows what script shall be written and whom the players are that will read it.

A dark, dreary, sparsely populated, rainy Stadio Artemio Franchi was the perfect backdrop for the last act of what can only be described as a tragedy in the Classical sense as Fiorentina saw out a dismal, pathetic season with a lackluster 0-0 tie with Cagliari this afternoon.

Recap
With virtually all of Fiorentina’s stars unavailable, caretaker manager Vincenzo Guerini choose to start with La Viola’s ragtag group of substitutes, rather than field youngsters and Primavera players. The lone exception to this was young Brazilian backup goalie Norberto Murara Neto, although Amidu Salifu and Boadu Maxwell Acosty managed to get on the pitch due to injuries to Marco Marchionni and general suckage by Andrea Lazzari.

Fiorentina started in a 4-4-2, with Lorenzo Di Silvestri, Cesare Natali, Felipe and Captain for a Day, Manuel Pasqual ahead of Neto. Romulo, Marchionni, Houssine Kharja and Lazzari filled out the midfield with Ruben Olivera and Alessio Cerci out in front and I do mean out in front as neither man could manage to stay onside all match.

There weren’t a lot of hi lights in this mess as Fior only managed four shots on former Viola reserve goalie Vlada Avramov, none of which were on goal. Cagliari managed eleven shots, but only three on and only one of those required any effort at all from our Brazilian, who is aiming for a starting spot on the Samba Boys Olympic squad. The result saving stop by Neto was in the 88th minute as Radja Nainggolan fired a shot in the corner from the top of the box, but Neto sprawled and parried just wide to preserve the point.

Fiorentina were assessed 10 offside calls, one of which was shown to be in error and cost Natali a goal.

The result sees Fiorentina end the season with 46 points, 6 points less than last season and one point less than the year before. To further deepen the depression around this squad, owner Andrea Delle Valle deserted his seat about 10 or 15 minutes into the match as he became offended by chants by the few fans in attendance as the chasm between Viola Tifosi and team management widens exponentially.

Report Cards
The only person that really deserves a score is Neto, he gets a 6.5.
Everyone else a 5.

Quotes
Natali:
I have played my last match for Fiorentina.

Neto:
My Future ? We’ll see, I do not know. I hope I can play with the shirt of Fiorentina. I am a professional, I am ready to help the society.

Looking Ahead
Change, change, change. From top to bottom and left to right.

Changes in management are rumored to be coming, along with a new Sporting Director and a new coach, which should be announced within ten days, according to our pouting owner.

Montolivo, Marchionni, Natali are definately gone. Kharja, Olivera and Lazzari are probably leaving, although Lazzari’s play down the stretch may have saved him a seat on the bench as a reserve. Adem Ljajic’s status is still up in the air, possibly will be sold or go out on loan.

Questions remain as to the status of Artur Boruc, Captain Gamberini, Manuel Pasqual, and Alessio Cerci as well.

It will be a long, contentious rumor-filled summer to be sure.

Fiorentina invite Cagliari to the Franchi to mark the end of a season of extreme highs and extraordinary lows.

Fiorentina close the 2011-2012 season with Cagliari at the Franchi. It’ll be the year remembered for our three coaches, our devastating loss to Juve, and our miracle victories against Roma and Milan. It’ll be the year remembered for when the Della Valle’s woke up and realized maybe everything isn’t ok with this team.

From tomorrow the Fiorentina of the Prandelli era is over. From the team, to the uniform sponsor (Lotto to Joma), to the boardroom, it’s all getting replaced. Montolivo was confirmed today to be headed to Milan, and we might be looking at the end of the line for Boruc, Vargas, Gamberini, Ljajic, Cerci, Kroldrup, and many others that have become familiar names.

With Fiorentina and Cagliari safe there is very little left to play for, but Cagliari come off two losses to Genoa and Juve, and drew scoreless to Chievo last week. With everyone raring to end the season, they might lay down arms for this one. What it does leave is a great opportunity to try out some of the youngsters for next season.

Tomorrow’s game features Acosty and Olivera up front (possibly interchanged with Cerci) and Felipe, Camporese, and Natali holding up the back.

On a personal note, it’s been a pleasure to write for you all this season and you’ve all been an awesome community, fantastic commentators, and great friends with whom we’ve shared the victories and frustrations with all season. We’ll keep you updated with the latest of the transfer madness all through the summer, put up a season review, and keep this awesome community strong no matter where it goes.

I also want to thank my partner and co-blogger slakas for another great season and fantastic writing. He’s done a wonderful job and he keeps us always consistently updated. Salute!

FORZA VIOLA SEMPRE E OVUNQUE!!!

In a season marred by poor play, injuries, suspensions, fights and coaching changes, Fiorentina went into a match with Lecce that was vital for each side to ensure Serie A participation and came out the victor and likely doomed Lecce to relegation in the process

After the overly publicized events of midweek, Fiorentina came into this match needing just one point, while Lecce needed all three. Both squads were depleted, Fiorentina missing Stevan Jovetic, Matija Nastasic, Amauri, Adem Ljajic and Juan Manuel Vargas while Lecce injuries included Massimo Oddo, Julio Sergio, Daniele Corvia and suspended trio Moris Carrozzieri, Luis Muriel and Juan Cuadrado

Recap
Caretaker manager Vincenzo Guerini fielded another slapped together lineup in front of Artur Boruc, Captain Alessandro Gamberini made his return next to Old Father Christmas, Cesere Natali, while long forgotten man Felipe started for injured defender Nastasic. The normal midfield wings, Mattai Cassani and Manuel Pasqual bracketed iron man Valon Behrami and Houssine Kharja, with Riccardo Montolivo in the center. Ruben Olivera started for the suspended Adem Ljajic, while Alessio Cerci moved forward to replace Amauri and Jovetic up front.

Lecce came out of the starting gate quickly, getting the first three shots off, but none of them were on target. Fiorentina finally got a shot off in the 17th minute, Olivera, a header from Pasqual, but off target.

After a header by Miglionico went over the bar, Riccardo Montolivo lashed a screamer from outside the box, but Lecce Goalie Massimiliano Benassi made a great one handed save to preserve the lead, at least for the time being.

A few minutes later, Valon Behrami, who gave it his best shot, had to come off with too much pain in his shoulder. He was replaced by Marco Marchionni. Shortly thereafter, Cassani broke away from his man and went one on one on Benassi, but the Lecce keeper was up to the task and parried the chance away.

Three minutes after that great chance, Olivera’s long ball released Cerci on the goalie, and he made no mistake, settling the ball at his feet and firing it past Benassi, who couldn’t react until the ball was past him and in the back of the net.

Boruc was called on for one of his three saves shortly before the half, Guillermo Giacomazzi fired a header, but artur was up to the task and Fior went into halftime with a one goal lead.

At the start of the second half, Lecce brought on young Haris Seferovic, who is at Lecce on loan from La Viola and within a few minutes, the other Giallorossi became very dangerous, with Gennaro Delvecchio shooting into the corner and requiring a sprawling save from Boruc for a corner kick. On the following corner, Andrea Esposito hit the crossbar from point blank range and Fiorentina were scrambling.

The rest of the match was Fiorentina holding on to the lead as Lecce did not get another shot on goal. Montolivo and Felipe had to come out for injuries, being replaced by Andrea Lazzari and Michele Camporese who saw the rest of the match out and Fiorentina were safe.

Hi Lights

Report Cards
Boruc(6) – Really didn’t make me feel warm and fuzzy, coming off his line and making what should’ve been an easy save look very hard, but he made his three saves and got his 14th clean sheet of the season.
Gamberini(6) – good to see The Shrimp back, made one very important sliding tackle in the box.
Natali(5) – Horrible first half, bad back pass, gave up corners, looked old and slow. Better in the second half, mostly because the rest of the squad spent most of the half playing back.
Felipe(6) – First start in forever, but he was ready to play when called on, Fitness was an obvious and understandable issue. Subbed for Camporese, cramps; Camporese(NA)
Cassani(6) – wasn’t able to score one on one with the goalie, hit the pole on another shot, but defended well.
Behrami(6) – Give him a grade just for effort, but half an hour in couldn’t deal with the pain. Subbed for Marchionni, shoulder; Marchionni(6) – was ready when called on, played well.
Montolivo(6) – Nearly put Fior in the lead with a strong shot on, played well in defense until subbed for Lazzari, Thigh/hamstring; Lazzari(6) – purely there for the defense, could’ve started breaks a few times, but elected to just kick the ball into the corner and defend. It’s very possible those were his instructions from the coach.
Kharja(5) – awkward, sometimes invisible, one more match and we’ll probably see him on his way.
Pasqual(6) – good crosses early, defended well at the end
Olivera(6.5) – got the assist on the goal, might be his only good game in viola.
Cerci(7) – man of the match, ran his butt off, got the winner. might have earned a stay in Florence.

Guerini(7) – In what must have been nearly impossible conditions this week, he calmed the team down and got it done. Even if it winds up being his only win as Fiorentina Coach, it is huge and will be remembered in what has been one season a lot of Viola fans would like to forget.

Quotes
Guerini:
“I absolutely did not steer Fiorentina to safety. There was work done by two Coaches before me, above all by Rossi recently, and we had already seen improvements in our away form.”

“We have often done well outside Florence, while at home there are some psychological problems of the pressure caused by our fans. At least we avoided the humiliation of challenging for safety on the final day of the season.”

“I have to compliment the players, as they held out though many were in disastrous physical condition. Many couldn’t play at all, others hadn’t played in a long time.”

“It’s not up to me anyway. Before the match I tried to work on the pride of these lads, making the most of the criticism aimed at the team. I told them to leave the field with their heads held high.”

“I have to say recently they have been showing some pride anyway.”

Looking Ahead
One last match Sunday against Cagliari for pride and league placement and then what is sure to be a turbulent and exciting off-season.

Riccardo Montolivo has injured his thigh muscle and will not play next week, so his run in purple is over.
His final numbers are 219 appearances and 17 goals in Serie A, with Coppa, Europa and Champions League play, 258 appearances and 19 goals.

Fiorentina try to salvage a single point to salvation against Lecce, a team that has been the bane of their season.

After what has been possibly the most bizarre week in Fiorentina’s history, Fiorentina, decimated by injury, fly down to Lecce with interim coach Vincenzo Guerini and try to salvage what’s left of their season.

On paper, Lecce should be a pushover. However they have been the sore pain in every teams backside, most notably Juventus who could only salvage a 1-1 draw last week. As for Fiorentina? In their last three seasons of Serie A existence, we haven’t managed to beat them home or away even once. Now we’re off to the stadio Del Mare to save our season and ruin the dreams of one Valeri Bojinov.

Lecce has nothing to lose and they thrive on the counterattack. They’ll sit behind every ball and then rush forward until they can make something of it. Seeing Fiorentina’s attack crisis, it might be wise to sit back and defend this one to death, hoping for some bright opening. You’d think we’d be playing Barcelona here.

Lecce (3-5-1-1): Benassi; Tomovic, Esposito, Miglionico; Di Matteo, Blasi, Giacomazzi, Delvecchio, Brivio; Bertolacci; Di Michele. All.: Cosmi.

Fiorentina (3-5-2): Boruc; Gamberini, Natali, Camporese; Cassani, Montolivo, Behrami (Salifu), Lazzari, Pasqual; Olivera, Cerci. All.: Guerini.

FORZA VIOLA!

Fiorentina fought back from a 2 nil deficit to draw Novara and bring them one point away from season salvation in a match that saw Riccardo Montolivo write a fine ending to his time in Florence.

So we’ve now hammered Rossi’s scuffle into the ground and he’s now gone. The team has two games to salvage a single point, and Riccardo Montolivo put on one of the finest displays we’ve seen in a while from him while barely scuttling a third with a stunning display of acrobatics.

First Half

Fiorentina came out of the gates in the first half with Ljajic serving Lazzari who fired directly at Coser. Novara sealed the lead mere minutes later when Rigoni found Jeda completely unmarked by a lost Camporese, allowing him to fire a header from point blank range. Fiorentina continued with shots from Lazzari, Salifu, and Cerci, but it was Porcari who was pulled down by Lazzari in the viola box and Rigoni transformed the penalty. Meanwhile, Ljajic and Rossi decided it was a fine time to rehearse for the company theater production of “Rocky”. Fiorentina went into the half with low morale in what must have been one of the more interesting halftime speeches of all time.

Second Half

The second half turned into the Montolivo show. He came roaring out of the gates testing Coser on the first shot before Cassani was pulled down and he sent the Novara keeper the wrong way with a confidently placed penalty. Novara tested the viola net once more with Jeda making a mazy run through the viola defense and scaring Boruc, but it was Montolivo once more who fired it in from the edge of the box and set the score straight. Meanwhile in Turin, Juve didn’t feel like returning us any favors. Montolivo fired off a piece of acrobatic skill but it was Novara who were determined to have the last laugh with Porcari who barely placed it over the bar.

Ratings

Boruc 6 – Not at fault for either goal, never truly tested the entire game.

Camporese 4 – Loses his man for the advantage goal and never gets his head in the game

Natali 4 – Strangely plays way too wide and doesn’t give support in the back.

Nastasic 5 – Suffers the curse of the back line but not as bad as the other two. Stays confident.

Cassani 5 – Same as Nastasic and also earns the penalty

Montolivo 7.5 – Dude, where you been all season?

Salifu 5 – Solid in the first half. Disappears in the second.

Lazzari 4 – In the first minutes, he looks decent, then after the penalty, it’s all downhill from there.

Marchionni 5 – Suprisingly attacker like. He hasn’t played consistently but puts his heart into it when he does.

Pasqual 4 – Didn’t even notice he was playing until he started picked needless fights.

Ljajic 2 – Shut up. Forever.

Cerci 4 – Still can’t play 90 minutes, but got a couple of decent shots off.

Delio Rossi 1 (generously) – Sorry it had to end this way. You only get the point because you played Montolivo and the gamble worked. At least you can’t say we didn’t give you chances.

Next up

Game of the season (literally) this weekend when we take on Lecce, and then Cagliari after that, we’re 99% secure, lets just end it already.

FORZA VIOLA!

Fiorentina waltzed into Bergamo today, expecting Atalanta to just lay down for the team that had beaten Milan and Roma and got a nasty surprise. No one cared what they had done just a few days ago and La Viola were beaten badly 2-0, while Atalanta achieved mathematical saftey.

However, the two teams behind them also failed to win or tie, so, effectively, Fior just scratched a game day off the calendar and moved one step closer to salvation. They remain 5 points ahead of Genoa and 6 ahead of Lecce, with just 3 matches left.

Recap
Fior came into the match with another patchwork lineup, it must be said. Starting Goalie Artur Boruc suspended for multiple time wasting yellow cards, while injuries kept out Amauri, Juan Manuel Vargas, Riccardo Montolivo, Alessio Cerci, and Alessandro Gamberini. Norberto Neto got his first start in goal in Serie A after two sub par performances in the Coppa Italia and Adem Ljajic paired with Stevan Jovetic in the front.

It only took Atalanta 8 minutes to score and effectively end this match early, as a sluggish Fiorentina failed on an offside trap as a nice cross to Germán Denis left Neto standing flat footed as the Atalanta forward headed the ball in easily.

La Viola did seem to be shocked awake, as they got the next 9 shots in the half, but none were dangerous, all missed or were blocked on the way in and the half ended 1-0.

At the start of the second half, Amidu Salifu was forced to come in for an ailing Valon Behrami who had lost the use of his left arm due to a collarbone separation. X-rays have shown no bone break, however, his participation in the rest of the season is very much in question.

The second half started out all Atalanta, and a flurry of shots resulted in the second goal, as Giacomo Bonaventura jumped on a botched clearance by Salifu and put it home.

Atalanta continued to push and try for the third, while La Viola tried to find some sort of game and Fior looked likely to score as Cristiano Raimondi tugged Salifu shirt in the box, but Jovetic’s weak penalty attempt was easily saved in the corner.

There were several more shots from both sides, but none were dangerous and the result stood at 2-0

Hi Lights

Report Cards
Neto(5.5) – Was a little at sea on the first goal, but had no chance on the second. made 6 saves, one or two of them rather good. I like his quick release and he actually kicks the ball to players on his own team, a feat Boruc can’t seem to manage. nastasic saved his bacon as well, could’ve been a lot worse.
Camporese(5) – the whole back line was nowhere to be found on the first goal, picked up a yellow on a harsh tackle and just generally looked out of sorts a large portion of the match
Natali(5) – same as Camporese
Nastasic(6) – same as Camporese except he saved a third goal with a timely header off the line. the whole defense took a step back
Cassani(5) – never really got into the match. dissappointing. got a yellow card and was subbed for LDS; LDS- NA
Kharja(4) – complete opposite of his performance in Roma, never linked up with Behrami or Cassani, was out on an island
Behrami(5) – Injured early, lost the use of his arm, bravely lasted the rest of the first half, but didn’t do much. subbed for Salifu; Salifu(5) – at fault for the second goal, played a bit better later, but needs to grow a lot.
Lazzari(5.5) – took a step back from the last match, but compared to the rest of the squad, he played ok. Most of his shots and crosses were blocked, however.
Pasqual(4) just horrible. no good crosses, stood around in the front and was nowhere to been seen in the back, frequently Nastasic had to cover for him, because he was too far forward. Everything I hate about him showed up in this match.
Ljajic(5) – took an elbow to the head early (for which there was no call, thank you Mr Doveri) and never seemed to get into the match. Subbed for Acosty.; Acosty – NA
Jovetic(5) – out on an island, never hooked up with anyone, took a penalty just as badly as Ljajic. Did not deserve the captaincy today.

Rossi(5) – he tried to tell them, but he couldn’t make them listen. While it’s not really his fault, it is his fault. The retreat did absolutely no good. his subs were ineffective. only other results saved this squad today. UNACCEPTABLE. But on the plus side, if this squad needed a slap in the face to wake up, this was it.

Quotes
Stefano Colantuono: “The German Denis goal opened the door and then we allowed little to the Viola. It has been an extraordinary campaign, the best for me and for Atalanta. It’s as if we’ve won the Scudetto.”

Delio Rossi: “We were not the same as in recent weeks. After the penalty save, our concentration levels dropped. Are we at risk of relegation? We still have a six-point advantage.”

Looking Ahead
Novara comes to visit on Wednesday, the team cannot afford another let down. Must have three points. Behrami’s fitness will be a big question, might see Montolivo. On the plus side, Lecce have to go to Juve, Genoa and Cagliari will be facing off against each other and Palermo go to Naples.

Standings/Remaining Schedules
Points – Team – Goal Diff – (Head to Head score Fior v opp.)
42 Palermo -6 (0-2)
42 Cagliari -6 (0-0)
41 Fiorentina -7
36 Genoa -20 (3-2)
35 Lecce -14 (0-1)
28 Novara -32 (3-0)
22 Cesena -31 (2-0)

Palermo
May 1 – 2:45 ET – Napoli v Palermo – Stadio San Paolo
May 6 – 9:00 ET – Palermo v Chievo Verona – Renzo Barbera
May 13 – 2:45 ET – Genoa v Palermo – Comunale Luigi Ferraris

Cagliari
May 2 – 2:45 ET – Genoa v Cagliari – Comunale Luigi Ferraris
May 6 – 9:00 ET – Cagliari v Juventus – Stadio San Elia
May 13 – 2:45 ET – Fiorentina v Cagliari – Stadio Artemio Franchi

Fior
May 2 – 2:45 ET – Fiorentina v Novara – Stadio Artemio Franchi
May 5 – 12:00 ET – Lecce v Fiorentina – Stadio Via del Mare
May 13 – 2:45 ET – Fiorentina v Cagliari – Stadio Artemio Franchi

Genoa
May 2 – 9:00 ET – Genoa v Cagliari – Comunale Luigi Ferraris
May 6 – 9:00 ET – Udinese v Genoa – Stadio Friuli
May 13 – 2:45 ET – Genoa v Palermo – Comunale Luigi Ferraris

Lecce
May 2 – 2:45 ET – Juventus v Lecce – Stadio San Elia
May 5 – 12:00 ET – Lecce v Fiorentina – Via del Mare
May 13 – 2:45 ET – Chievo Verona v Lecce – Stadio Marc`Antonio Bentegodi

After a triumphant midweek victory in Rome, Fiorentina are off to Bergamo to secure as many points as they can before the end of the season.

The hard part is over and Fiorentina are looking more and more safe, but most importantly they’re looking more and more like a team. The victory over Roma was a game changer in the season, Rossi took seven of nine points facing the three “big” teams and it shows that morale in the team is high.

Atalanta currently sit comfortably at 11th (they’d be qualifying for Europe without their deduction) and are trying to move into the upper reaches of the table. They’ve pounded out some impressive plays such as holding Inter to a 0-0 draw, and beating Napoli at their home 3-1. However they have been somewhat inconsistent and their form can fluctuate rapidly.

Colantuono won’t have Brighi, Marilungo, or Capelli due to injury while Stendardo and Cigarini are both serving one match suspensions. Rossi on the other hand won’t have Vargas, Amauri, Kroldrup, Montolivo, and Cerci while Boruc sits this one out paving the way for Neto’s Serie A debut. Behrami and Camporese still have to be valued at game time.

Formations:

What will be important about this game is Neto’s performance as we might be seeing a lot more of him soon, and also if the team can continue their string of positive play and results.

FORZA VIOLA!!!

Fiorentina shocked Roma at the Olimpico today in a historic victory that saw the viola win in Rome for the first time in 20 years. Spearheaded by Andrea Lazzari’s superb performance, the viola have all but secured protection for next season with four games to go.

Andrea Lazzari has spent a majority of the season as the punchline of jokes, criticism and ridicule. He’s fumbled one goal line ball after another and was Montolivo’s perfect awkward counterpart. Today we saw the fighting Lazzari, serving one goal and scoring another in what was his best performance of the season.

First Half

Fiorentina came roaring out of the gates in the best of ways when at two minutes from the whistle, Lazzari flicked the ball to Jojo inside the box who looped a header over Curci’s head for the 1-0. It was a dream start for Fiorentina who whipped the ground under Roma’s feet. Fiorentina carried on inside Roma’s half, the Giallorossi were pinned back and had trouble stringing their passes forward. Fiorentina continued to pound Curci with runs from Jojo and Cerci while Borini and Totti tried to pressure Boruc, but the half went to the viola who took a relaxed lead to the dressing room.

Second Half

Roma came out with a renewed spirit in the second half and it showed when Greco and Borini pounded Boruc while Fiorentina tried to defend one corner after another and Boruc was getting worn down. Eventually the viola wall tumbled when Marquinho let out a ripping strike from outside the area to Totti who flicked it in for the draw. At 77 minutes Rossi switched JoJo for Ljajic and Cerci for Amauri who struggled to get into the game. After several minutes, Amauri crumbled to the ground grasping his groin and was substituted for Olivera. Fiorentina was desperately trying to push through and spent the last ten minutes of regular time trying to weave through the Roma defense. At 90+1 Ljajic broke free on the right side, and fired a screamer directly at Curci who couldn’t handle the ball. The ball found it’s way to an onrushing Lazzari who controlled and fired into the top of the net sealing the win and a much needed 3 points.

Report Card

Boruc – 6.5 – Solid match, didn’t have much to do in the first half but stood strong in the second during Roma’s barrage of corners, and made a great game winning save on Totti. Could do nothing about the goal.

Nastasic – 7 – Expertly guides the defense like a veteran, takes the ball forward, and frustrated Totti all afternoon.

Camporese – 6.5 – Placed farther back than Nastasic but stands firm in the Roma rush, placing his body where it’s most needed. Just barely misses catching Marquinhos goal.

Natali – 6.5 – Standard operating procedure for Natali, stands like a column next to Camporese and concedes very little. Still a solid figure in the defense.

De Silvestri – 6 – He does well in the first half but visibly falls back in the second, conceding several corners and looking a little nervous. Good runs on the side though.

Kharja – 6.5 – Much improved performance from the Moroccan and gives a steady boost in the midfield, even threatening the goal several times. Well done.

Behrami – 7.5 – It’s the usual “lion-like” performance. Intimidates his performance, wins his contrasts, breaks up play, and wins back possession. Masterclass.

Lazzari – 8 – Involved in both goals. Crosses from the first, and then a gorgeous volley on the second to give Fiorentina a much needed morale and table boost. His best performance of the season and he’s a menace the entire match.

Cassani – 6 – Like his partner on the other side, he does well in the first half but noticeably falls short in the second.

Jovetic – 7.5 – He’s the extra gear this team needs. He’s the point where every ball should go and with him, they look like they have an identity and an idea. His 14th goal with 4 games left and he looks like he still has steam to carry through the end of the season.

Ljajic – 6.5 – Immediately comes on and puts his head in the game, serving the screamer that led to the winning goal. Much improved in three days.

Cerci – 6 – Finding himself alone is starting to be his thing. At 30 minutes he gets way out in front but loses his time to shoot and lets Roma regroup, however he adds a bit of speed and fantasy to the game so the team doesn’t fall behind.

Amauri – 5 – Comes on and never really moves very much. Isolates himself in the front and waits for the ball. Substituted off early for a groin injury.

Olivera – n/a – Came on as a time waster (and it was effective)

Rossi – 8 – 3 games…3 big teams…7/9 points…not bad sir, not bad at all.

Looking ahead

Getting ready for the final push as we welcome Atalanta to the Franchi on Sunday

FORZA VIOLA!!

Another huge match up, another patchwork lineup and another big result early this morning as Fiorentina held Inter scoreless and moved another point closer to salvation. In what was sure to be a tough string of matches, at Milan, plus Palermo and Inter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, La Viola have managed five HUGE points in the battle to stave off relegation.

The tie, along with a three goal loss for Cagliari, what was a four goal loss for Genoa before fans started throwing things on the field and the match was suspended and a tie for Lecce move Fiorentina into 15th place, ahead of Cagliari on goal differential, 2 points ahead of Genoa and 3 points ahead of Lecce.

Recap
Coach Delio Rossi rolled out his now standard 3-5-2, but the lineup fielded was anything but standard as injuries and suspension again decimated the pool of available players. Stevan Jovetic, Riccardo Montolivo and Allessandro Gamberini were all out for injuries and Amauri was suspended for yellow card accumulation.

Fiorentina came out in with a classic counter-attack game plan, allowing the Nerazzurri the bulk of possession, but ready to drive forward and frequently caught the older and slower squad on the wrong foot as Houssine Kharja nearly made Inter pay in the 2nd minute, although he slashed the shot wide.

Inter continued to press forward, with Diego Forlan getting a shot off at the 5 min mark, but Artur Boruc claimed it easily. The played continued as it started, but the first half ended without another shot on goal.

It took 20 minutes of the second half for another shot on, a save for Boruc in the corner on a shot from Ricardo Álvarez
Shortly thereafter, Valon Behrami was forced to come off the field for fitness issues. He was replaced by promising youngster Amidu Salifu.

Then Andrea Lazzari got a through ball, went across the front of the goal and was taken down by Inter Goalie Julio Cesar. In what was, perhaps, one of the few correct decisions of the day for ref Paolo Valeri, the foul was considered too wide to be a scoring chance, so the goalie only received a yellow card.

Without Viola Talisman Jovetic or Amauri available, it fell to youngster Adem Ljajic to take the penalty and he served up a weak shot that Cesar parried wide of the net.

That proved to be the end of any serious chances for either squad, although Cerci had a breakaway called back incorrectly for offside and the squads shared the points.

Hi Lights

Report Cards
Boruc(6.5) – 4 saves, 13th clean sheet. getting it done
Camporese(6) – solid on his side defensively, had a nice drive forward, but held on too long and coudln’t get the cross off.
Natali(6.5) – Old Father Christmas with very nearly a perfect match. Won every header and was never threatened
Nastasic(6.5) – Missed a wide open net, but never threatened in defense. took a yellow for an elbow into Milito’s back.
Cassani(6) – concentrated on defense in the first half, came forward more in the second. well ordered.
Behrami(7) – All over the field again. If only every viola player gave the same effort . Subbed for Salifu due to fitness; Salifu(6) – Came in and played well, did not seem to affect the team badly with the switch.
Kharja(6.5) – held the middle of the field well, had some nice plays with Pasqual, did as good as Montolivo would’ve
Lazzari(6.5) – lots of turnovers, but earns a PK and a yellow card on Julio Cesar, better than normal.
Pasqual(6) – shuts down Maicon all match, had some decent crosses, got a yellow for excessive complaining in the refs mind, in reality it was Valeri who was excessive with his cards all match.
Ljajic(5) – just never looked comfortable, gave the ball away a lot, served up a weak PK. Subbed for Acosty; Acosty(6) – beat his man a few times, but was all alone by then as Cerci became a spectator late in the match.
Cerci(6) – Looked promising early. Should’ve had a one on one with the goalie, but for an incorrect offside call. Got tired and started standing around and watching late. no one else to sub in for Rossi, however.

Rossi(6) – a point is a point and especially against a team like Inter, even with Inter’s disappointing season and even more so without your starting strikers, not to mention Gamberini and Montolivo.

Quotes
Rossi:
“Inter are stronger than we are, but we played with great team spirit. We suffered on occasion and at times went too deep, but games are decided by incidents and we deserved to win,” said the Coach.

“Inter had two or three shots on goal, but never really created any danger for us. We had a few dubious offside flags go against us, but the incidents certainly didn’t help.

“The fans have always been close to us, though of course they showed their dissatisfaction when the team did not play with the requisite determination. If we had always played like this, then the supporters would’ve been happier with our season.”

“Our youngsters already showed against Milan that they have character. At this moment it is important to have the mind free of pressure, especially at home. Besides, let’s just say younger players are forgiven for certain errors more than older figures.”

Stramaccioni:
“We have to give credit to Fiorentina, as they put in a strong performance, especially in their movement without the ball,” said the tactician.

“It wasn’t easy to play against this Fiorentina side, as Milan and Palermo also struggled recently.”

Looking Ahead
A midweek tussle in the Capital against Roma on Wednesday. Amauri will be available, Pasqual will be suspended. Jovetic’s condition will be a big question mark the next few days, along with Gamberini, Montolivo and Behrami.

With Genoa at Milan and Lecce hosting Napoli, any result could be a big plus.

Standings/Remaining Schedules

Points – Team – Goal Diff – (Head to Head score w/Fior)
38 Fiorentina -6
38 Cagliari -9 (0-0)
36 Genoa -18 (3-2)
35 Lecce -11 (0-1)
25 Novara -27 (3-0)
22 Cesena -29 (2-0)

Fior
Apr 25 – 9:00 ET – AS Roma v Fiorentina – Stadio Olimpico
Apr 29 – 9:00 ET – Atalanta v Fiorentina – Atleti Azzurri d’Italia
May 2 – 9:00 ET – Fiorentina v Novara – Stadio Artemio Franchi
May 5 – 12:00 ET – Lecce v Fiorentina – Stadio Via del Mare
May 13 – 9:00 ET – Fiorentina v Cagliari – Stadio Artemio Franchi

Cagliari
Apr 24 – 2:45 ET – Cagliari v Catania – Stadio San Elia
Apr 28 – 12:00 ET – Cagliari v Chievo Verona – Stadio San Elia
May 2 – 9:00 ET – Genoa v Cagliari – Comunale Luigi Ferraris
May 6 – 9:00 ET – Cagliari v Juventus – Stadio San Elia
May 13 – 9:00 ET – Fiorentina v Cagliari – Stadio Artemio Franchi

Genoa
Apr 25 – 12:00 ET – AC Milan v Genoa – Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Apr 29 – 6:30 ET – Bologna v Genoa – Stadio Renato Della`Ara
May 2 – 9:00 ET – Genoa v Cagliari – Comunale Luigi Ferraris
May 6 – 9:00 ET – Udinese v Genoa – Stadio Friuli
May 13 – 9:00 ET – Genoa v Palermo – Comunale Luigi Ferraris

Lecce
Apr 25 – 9:00 ET – Lecce v Napoli – Via del Mare
Apr 29 – 9:00 ET – Lecce v Parma – Via del Mare
May 2 – 9:00 ET – Juventus v Lecce – Stadio San Elia
May 5 – 12:00 ET – Lecce v Fiorentina – Via del Mare
May 13 – 9:00 ET – Chievo Verona v Lecce – Stadio Marc`Antonio Bentegodi