Pre-Match
Following the devastating defeat to Roma, Paulo Sousa made a few changes to the side with Milic coming in for Olivera and the suspended Carlos Sanchez was replaced by Nenad Tomovic. Fiorentina stuck with the 3-4-2-1. However, it could turn into 4 at the back, with Tomovic moving to right back and Milic at left back. Udinese with no changes after an away draw to Chievo, have opted for 4-3-3.
First Half
Fiorentina almost got off to the perfect start within a minute. Vecino's driving run to set up Babacar who checked back to hit a powerful effort and should have done better. La viola started the game at a frantic pace, Vecino began the half in a more attacking role and was at the heart of the Fiorentina attacks. Udinese's first chance was a free header, following a corner, Cyril Théréau should have done better.
On 20 minutes there were massive Udinese appeals for a penalty as Widmer incredibly ran the whole half without a challenge and in the box was finally challenged, and brought down but no penalty was rightly given as he kicked Milic while shooting.
Following a promising opening 10 minutes from the home side it became a frustrating scrappy affair with neither side having many clear cut chances. With Badelj coming closest with a fantastic volley from range, straight into the gloves of Karnezis.
It took until the 40th minute for the first bit of real quality. Fantastic play from Bernarcdeschi who got it over to his left foot 25 yards out and fired a shot over Karnezis which cracked off the bar, however, it kindly fell to Valero who controlled it well and expertly stroked into the far corner. It was the Spaniard's first goal since Valentines day 2016, and it was a beautiful sight to see Valero on the score sheet again.
Fiorentina ended the half the stronger and with the last kick of the game, Bernardeshci almost doubled his sides tally. A free kick from an almost impossible angle forced Karnezis into a smart stop.
Second Half
There was one change at the break. Udinese brought off Jakub Jankto, who was replaced by Emmanuel Badu, as the away side looked to get themselves back into the game.
It was a so nearly an equalizer 3 minutes in as Rodrigo De Paul's brilliant chipped cross found Duvan Zapata who somehow couldn't direct his header home, it was a good stop by Tatarasnu who denied the Colombian from bringing the Bianconeri Friuliani level.
Udinese had come out from the break the better side and look rejuvenated. The away side looked a real threat on the break, with Fofana at the heart of the Udinese counter attacks.
Almost against the run of play on 62 minutes, Babacar got the slice of luck he's been craving after some recent poor performances. He bundled his way past a couple challenges and fired a shot 20 yards, out that struck the back of Samir and left the Karnezis with no chance. Babacar's 4th goal in 5 games against Udinese, if only he could play them every week.
The second goal had really settled the mood at the Franchi. Udinese had come so close to leveling but following Babacar’s goal it was a comfortable affair for the viola.
It got even better for the home side as Bernardeschi's freekick was blocked by the hand of Fofana. Maurizio Mariani pointed to the spot to give the home side the chance to seal the game. Berna picked up the ball himself and slotted it home from the spot with ease to make it 3-0.
Post Match
Fiorentina back to winning ways in a relatively comfortable win. There were slight signs of fragility but Bernardeschi was the star of the show. After the thrashing in Rome, this was exactly what the viola needed. Babacar and Valero back in the goals as well to top it off. Also, a clean sheet extends Fiorentina's fantastic record against Udinese. I'm sure Sousa will sleep a bit easier tonight after recent criticism.
Player Ratings
Tatarusanu- 7: for what he had to do he did it well. There is real competition for the number one spot following the arrival of Sportiello.
Rodriguez- 6: Had a real battle with Duvan Zapata and struggled at times. However, he dealt with the Colombian for the most part.
Tomovic- 7: Good game for Nenad, did well going both ways. Looked a lot more assured than he has in the past
Astori- 7: Solid performance from all the defenders and Davide was no different.
Milic- 6: Solid enough night for the Croat. Didn't do much wrong but rarely got forward.
Badelj- 7: Did Badelj things wins the ball back well and passes it on for players to create. Good performance.
Vecino- 7: Neat and tidy afternoon for Vecino, becoming a really key player. Came off for Saponara after getting a knock. Hopefully noting serious.
Bernardeschi- 8: Quality night for Fiorentina's main man. If he plays well Fiorentina play well. Was brilliant for the first goal and deservedly got a goal himself.
Valero- 7: Was brilliant to see him back on the score-sheet. Played deeper for a long stages of the match. Took his goal really well.
Chiesa-6: Frustrating night for the youngster, nothing really went his way, plenty more to come from him as we've seen him do already in his short career.
Babacar- 7: Finally got on the score sheet, even in fortuitous circumstances he will be mightily pleased that he's back in the goals.
Bench:
Kalinic- 6: Came on when the game was won almost turned and scored but wasn't really needed, nice to see him back playing though nevertheless.
Saponara- 6: Came on late in the game, composed on the ball. Hope to see him from the start to see how he can effect the game.
Tello- N/A Came on in the 84th minute. Can't remember him touching the ball.