Pre-Match

Fiorentina came into this one on the back of a midweek defeat in the Coppa Italia. However, after some recent victories in Serie A there was still a sense of optimism going into the home game with Genoa. It featured a debut for Marco Sportiello in goal and also featured a rare defensive appearance for Sebastian De Maio. One notable absentee was Federico Bernardeschi who was left on the bench. In his place was Josip Ilicic who started the game following some games on the sidelines.

First Half:

The first half began as expected with the home side dominating the ball. the first chance of the game came to makeshift centre back, Carlos Sanchez who couldn't find the direction to his header which was easily claimed by Lammana.

The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Ilicic's cross-cum-shot found its way into the far corner. Lammana waiting for a touch from an invisible Fiorentina player helplessly allowed it to go in and it was a deserved lead for the home side.

Young Chiesa who has been a revelation since coming to the starting eleven almost made it 2-0 as the away side were on the rocks. Chiesa's shot almost cracked the bar in half and left Lammana with no chance.

It had been near perfect half with the likes of Badelj and Vecino dominating the Genoa midfield. The only issue that it wasn't more that a 1-0 lead going into the second half.

Second Half:

There's only one word to describe the second half. Chaos.

It began with the best possible start. On 50 minutes Kalinic picked out Chiesa on the edge of the box, and with a beautiful fake shot deceived the defender and fired a brilliant low shot past Lammana and Fiorentina had that two-goal cushion.

Minutes later it was almost 3-0 as Kalinic then slipped through Ilicic then managed to get the ball past Lammana however, a brilliant goal-saving block by Burdisso denied him from tapping home.

Everything going to plan it would seem, you would think so. Until the 57th minute and Genoa broke on the left and first half substitute Adel Taarabt found Simeone in the centre who expertly dinked it over the out-rushing Sportiello.

Genoa had found a new lease of life. Two minutes later, the ever threatening Giovanni Simeone crossed for Taarabt whose shot was turned home by Oscar Hiljemark. It looked as if he was clearly offside. However, replays showed that De Maio was keeping the Swede onside as he was lying on the floor watching the play unfold after he slid in for a previous challenge.

Genoa had somehow found themselves level after scoring in the twice in two minutes. To say it was against the run of play would be too big of an understatement. The viola faithful and their team were stunned.

Paulo Sousa immediately turned to Bernardeschi whorushed on for Badelj to try and rejuvenate la viola. It was an instant impact from the substitute: with his first foray forward he set up Kalinic who shifted the ball over to his left foot and expertly finished to Lammana's left-hand side.

Order had been restored, after 20 minutes of insane second half football, it was 3-2. The game as a whole calmed down as and it looked as if it was going to be a deserved yet highly stressful victory.

Although, in keeping with the drama that was not the end of this crazy game. After a free kick was sent into the box a massive goal-line scramble occurred and struck Beranrdeschi on the arm.

Daniele Orsato immediately pointed to the spot and sent off Bernardeschi in the process, having adjudged he denied a goalscoring opportunity. Simeone tucked it away therefore ending the game and both sides sharing the points.

Post-Match

Where do I begin with this one? It was an incredible game which Fiorentina should have won easily. But, a 2-minute spell where everyone completely switched off let the Rossoblu right back into the game. Looking back at the stats and seeing Genoa had 3 shots on target was painful which sums up the game.

Player ratings

Sportiello: 6 - It was the easiest debut in the history of debuts, for 55 minutes. He wasn't really at fault for any of the goals and played it out from the back nicely.

Astori: - 5 Played well for the most part, although for Genoa's first he left Simeone free. Also got a yellow card which will see him suspended for the next game.

De Maio: 4 - Apart from the goals the defence was very rarely tested. However its a 4 for De Maio for lying on the floor and watching Genoa equalise and then appealing for offside.

Sanchez: 5- Similar to Astori played well baring a couple passing errors. Could have defended better and his positioning and for the goals wasn't great. As he's not a centre back it is more understandable. (Missed the leadership of Gonzalo)

Olivera: 5- A quiet game for the full back. Didn't do much wrong but at the same time, he wasn't as effective going forward as we've seen him in the past.

Vecino: 7- The Uruguayan was dominant in the first half alongside Badelj and played well, for the most part, making some good runs forward to boot.

Badelj: 6.5- Was hurled off after Genoa's second for a more attacking approach. Solid game for the Croat.

Chiesa: 8- I love this kid. His industry is infectious and his goal was brilliant. Big big future ahead of him.

Valero: 6- Very very quiet game for the usually expert Valero. Got better in the second half as the game opened up. But a poor game for the captain.

Ilicic: 7- A very very very Ilicic performance. Got the opener but then went on to give the ball away cheaply, with some silly flicks. But saying that a lot in an attacking sense came through Ilicic while he was on the pitch. Decent game for him but with Saponara watching on in the stands, the Slovenian might be warming the bench again soon.

Kalinic: 7- Almost forgot he was playing in the first half but was much improved in the second with a goal and an assist. Takes his scoring tally to 10 in Serie A.

Bench:

Tello: n/a- Came on with minutes to go and the only thing I can remember him doing was give the ball away.

Christiforo: 5- Almost scored with his first touch, was sent on to shore up the midfield but didn't have much of an impact on the game.

Bernardeschi: 6- Made an instant impact but ended up getting sent off for handball. His energy and quality was there to see. Doubt we'll see him on the bench much more, after he serves his ban.