Universitario vs. FIORENTINA 0-1

Third South American friendly brought pretty much the same, if less entertaining football, as the game against Palmeiras. Universitario was trying to break quickly and hurt the viola defense that way, not that it is too hard to trouble Fiorentina defense. And they managed to do it, sort of, in the first half. Fiorentina had the possession, but ball circulation wasn't as quick as we would hope, and there weren't many chances in front of Universitario's goal. Players seemed too static at times, but despite that, and the shaky defense, overall impression is that the viola fans shouldn't be disappointed.. Oh, and yes, we won a trophy... Together with 3 other teams.

When it comes to individual performances, Juan Vargas, wearing captains armband and playing against the team he loves, was especially inspired. Matias Vecino played out of position, but seemed comfortable as right wingback. Josh Brillante is a very positive surprise and while the sample is too small to reach the final conclusion, judging by these friendly matches Fiorentina won't be sorry about signing young Australian.

Home team was more dangerous in the first half, mostly due to Fiorentina's attack being a little impotent, and defense being... Fiorentina's defense. Peruvians threatened relatively often on the counter, but without any clear chances. The best one chance they had was after a set piece. Cross from the left side was met by Martinez' header, but Tatarusanu made a fantastic save to deny him. There were no real chances besides that on either side, until 33rd minute when Borja Valero sent in a through ball for Giuseppe Rossi inside the box. It seemed like it was destined to go out for a goal kick, but Pepito somehow got to it, sent the pass back to Brillante on the edge of the box. Australian then smashed it in the lower left side of Carvallo's goal.

Universitario started the second 45 minutes brightly, spending most of the first 10 minutes on Fiorentina's half. But they faded quickly, and from 60th minute on, Montella's boys were dominating, even though it still wasn't a brilliant performance. Khouma Babacar, who came on for Mario Gómez, missed two best chances of the game. First he was late for Vargas' cross, then his shot after Borja's through ball was too weak to trouble Carvallo - although to be fair, he had Otarola on his back and it wasn't as easy position. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Facundo Roncaglia was close to scoring. Argentine received the ball at the edge of the box, turned around and took a powerful volley, only to be denied by the crossbar. Hosts had the last chance of the match. Savić tried to clear the cross from the right side, but instead he assisted to Martinez, but just like in first half, his header wasn't good enough for Tatarusanu.

FIORENTINA (3-5-2): Tatarusanu 6.5; Roncaglia 6, Gonzalo 5.5, Savic 5; Vecino 6.5 (Pasqual 6), Brillante 7, Pizarro 7, Borja Valero 6.5 (Rafal Wolski 6), Vargas 6.5 (c); Rossi 6.5 (Iličić 6), Gomez 5.5 (Babacar 6)