Fiorentina v. Udinese: Preview
By: Ted | November 21st, 2008
Tomorrow in Beautiful Florence two top-four hopefuls meet in what is sure to be a critical match in what is still the early part of the season. Fiorentina and Udinese have both struggled in recent weeks, (and both are coming off of dispiriting losses to lesser sides last weekend) but both would like a win tomorrow to solidify their position in the top half of the table. Udinese is an attacking, dangerous, and fun team, while the Viola are very, very tough at home. It should be a hell of a match.
This weekend marks the start of a very tough stretch for the Viola. (For Udinese news, check out Vin’s blog at the offside.) We have this match on Saturday chased by Lyon midweek and Roma next weekend. All three are (arguably) critical matches. I really want the three points this weekend to prove we are a contender and not a pretender in Series A. The Lyon game is a must-win; a loss effectively eliminates us from the Champions League. And the Roma game is particularly interesting; Totti’s boys won last week vs. their arch-rivals and might be getting their season back on track, but if we can nip them in the bud next weekend we can go a long way towards eliminating one of the main rivals for a top-four finish in Series A.
Like I said, however, this weekend won’t be easy. Late word is that Kuzmanovic won’t play, and while he’s been up and down all season he’s pretty much played every match so far. The Great Man could move Santana back into the midfield (he’s played better in the deep role than up front) or go in a different direction. I really couldn’t say for sure, and all of this is complicated by the fact that we have a critical mid-week match coming up. It will be interesting to see how much emphasis Prandelli puts on the Lyon match seeing how slim our odds look of advancing. Rumor has it Fabio Quagliarella will be out for Udinese, so at least we will not be the only team lacking key men on Saturday. With the rumored return of Adi Mutu a distinct possibility, we could have the edge in this one, particularly since we are playing in the friendly Artemio Franchi.
Recent Form (All Competitions)
Fiorentina
16/11 (Serie A): Cagliari-Fiorentina 1-0
09/11 (Serie A): Fiorentina-Atalanta 2-1
05/11 (Champions League): Fiorentina-Bayern Munich 1-1
02/11 (Serie A): Siena-Fiorentina 1-0
29/10 (Serie A): Fiorentina-Inter 0-0
Udinese
16/11 (Serie A): Udinese-Reggina 0-1
09/11 (Serie A): Inter-Udinese 1-0
06/11 (Uefa Cup): Spartak Moscow-Udinese 1-2
02/11 (Serie A): Udinese-Genoa 2-2
29/10 (Serie A): Catania-Udinese 0-2
Starting Line-Ups (AKA The Blind Guess Department)
Fiorentina: Frey; Comotto, Dainelli, Gamberini, Vargas; Santana, Felipe Melo, Montolivo; Jovetic, Gilardino, Mutu.
Udinese: Handanovic; Ferronetti, Coda, Domizzi, Lukovic; Inler, D’Agostino, Isla; Pepe, Floro Flores, Di Natale.
Prediction
I like Fiorentina winning this one 3-2 in a thriller. I think we all need a thriller this weekend, and one that ends on a positive note for the Viola.
TV Situation
The game will be televised here in the states on FSC, on tape delay, at 4:30PM EST. It is also apparently being televised around noon (or so) on RAI, although I haven’t been able to confirm that yet. An embarrassment of riches, nonetheless.
Forza Viola, everyone. I will be back after the match with a recap.
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Comments
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Jo-Jo is out…he picked up an injury with the national team…word is were looking at a Mutu-Gila-Semioli trident
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United States
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I haven’t seen much of Fiorentina so far, but based on the results I have been pretty disappointed.
How has Jovetic been playing so far though?
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United States -
That was a BAD first half. The middle third should be studied carefully to learn exactly what is wrong with this Fiorentina team.
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United States -
BOYS. WHY DO YOU SUCK SO MUCH. *weeps*
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United States -
We are so lifeless in front of the goal. The strange thing is we weren’t this bad even without Gila last year; something mentally is wrong.
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Canada -
I see Domizzi doesn’t like it when an opponent does a ‘Sanchez’ on him.
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United States -
Hey, if we can’t win, at least bring Udinese down with us!
That’s what they get for having such an ugly shirt.
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Have they gone to a 4-4-2?
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United States -
How’d Frey do that?
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United States -
RICKY!!!!
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Canada -
That’s how to do it! Who passed the ball to Montolivo?
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United States -
Mutu
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Who I am really happy to see back.
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Canada -
RICCARDO MONTOLIVO I AM OFFICIALLY IN LOVE WITH YOU. Thank you.
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United States -
Now THIS is the Fiorentina team I know and love!
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Canada -
You’d never have expected this after 45 mins.
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United States -
Well done Fiorentina. That’s one of those matches where I’d love to have been a fly on a dressing room wall at halftime. Although I’m not sure my Italian would be up to it.
(And why do I have a US flag when I’m posting from Ontario?)
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United States -
You have a Canadian flag for me.
This is exactly what this team needed. If Mutu can stay healthy there could finally be some momentum building up.
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Canada -
That’s a good three points. Or at least the second half was a good three points — now all we need to do is learn how to play that way ALL THE TIME, and we’ll be performing at the level I know we can. (Also, thank heaven Monto decided to wake up. Up until the last match, he’s been asleep on the pitch the whole season. Let’s hope he stays this way, he makes such a difference when he’s on form.)
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United States -
THATS OUR RICKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a great win!!!!
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United States -
No idea why Prandelli didn’t start with Santana. His introduction definitely livened Fiorentina up in the second half. Great 2 goals by Monto, and another ugly goal by Gila. They all count the same, so no biggie. Who would have thought that game would have turned out that way after the first half? Great for the neutrals, like myself.
P.S. Comotto is a jack-ass! Geez man, your team is 4-1 up! Fucking let the goal score (if you can’t reach it with your head)! Stupid sending off!
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United States -
I’m glad Santana started on the bench – with all the flank he gets, this shows just how much he adds to our buildup. It was also a way to get the most out of him, as he is a player who fizzles quickly.
I think Prandelli deserves a lot of credit for this win. I’ve been worried that his head has been elsewhere this season, but I still have faith in him to notice what we had in the second half that we lacked in the first.
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Canada -
The second half was the classic Fiorentina I fell I in love with
Two observations I noted: Mutu is instrumental to our team. Secondly, this game illustrated the vast difference between Mutu and Gilardino. Mutu’s abilities are effortless whereas Gilardino really has to work for his chances and even then he misses a lot of opportunities. Overall, a completely different Fiorentina in the second half.Posted from
Canada -
Bassy was outstanding. If Domenech doesn`t want him in the equipe – his problem
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United States -
That was a great display of resilience and hunger. As a neutral (who is growing more fond of la Viola by the week) I had so much fun watching the incredible comeback. Marred only by Comotto’s unnecessary handball, the second half was virtually flawless flowing football. Whatever Prandelli said to Vargas at halftime must’ve been quite a speech. Also great to see Montolivo building some much needed confidence!
Well done and congrats!Posted from
United States
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