So, as the dust settles and we all being to try to make sense of the horrors we have witnessed over the last 12 months, the time is upon us for retrospection. What happened, happened pretty much.

But hey, at least in hindsight we can now look back and examine the mangled car wreckage that was the season. In this scenario, it makes perfect sense to compare Fiorentina’s defence to the tyres of the aforementioned vehicle. Perhaps the reason the car was so utterly totalled was because the wheels were wobbly, flat and bald, in that case, the comparison makes perfect sense.

Lets starts the post-mortem by taking a look at the centre-backs...

Gonzalo Rodríguez - 8

League Apps: 26

Ah Gonzalo, how you will be missed. Still Fiorentina’s best defender, it is a real shame that he hadn’t received a renewal this season. Without knowing the ins and outs of such decisions, it fair to say it was another solid season from Gonzalo. A particular highlight was his thumping header in the 2-2 draw at Sampdoria in April. All the best, Gonzalo.

Davide Astori - 9

League Apps: 33

A stellar season from Astori, and one in which he has cemented himself going into the off-season as Fiorentina’s best defender. A classy operator, who performed well on the left of Sousa’s back three. Now 30, he is well into his prime, and has forced his way back into the Italy set up, which is a perfect indicator of the great season he has had.

Nenad Tomović - 7

League Apps: 22 (4)

Another steady season from the workhorse that is Nenad Tomović. Lets face it, he’ll never reach the upper echelons of squad status but he certainly gives his all. A real grafter, and fairly versatile, Tomović is the kind of player you want around. Going into his sixth year as Viola player now, his staying power is testament to his ability, and despite an average season from him, I hope he’ll be here for next season.

Carlos Sanchez - 8

League Apps: 23 (8)

A midfielder turned centre back, and a capable centre back at that. Built like a brick wall, and with a good passing range, there was method behind the madness with Sousa’s decision to shift him back. He performed well when called upon, and despite the odd slip up here and there, he is a likeable player, and a very talented one at that.

Carlos Salcedo - 6

League Apps: 15 (3)

The man from Mexico had a stop-start year. After giving a decent impression in the first half of the season, his playing time dipped as did his position in Sousa’s pecking order. Muscular, athletic and no doubt talented, Sousa’s decision to give La Roca the right centre-back spot spoke volumes about Salcedo’s status. Fiorentina almost certainly won't exercise his buy-out clause, especially with news of Vitor Hugo inbound.

Sebastien De Maio - 5

League Apps: 6

After arriving in somewhat strange circumstances, a move from Genoa to Anderlecht then to Florence, the colossal Frenchman never really got a look in. When he did come into the side, he looked shaky. There is absolutely no chance Fiorentina will look to bring him in for another year. Back to Anderlecht you go Sebastien.

Maxi Olivera - 6

League Apps: 13 (5)

Not a bad season by any means for Olivera. When he was deployed on the left flank, he looked solid at least. Coming in as a loanee from Penarõl, Corvino shouldn’t be too disappointed with what was a low risk, low reward signing. Clearly never a player to make headlines, he has performed consistently and It wouldn’t be too surprising to see Fiorentina try to make his move permanent, if not just for depth.

Hrvoje Milić - 7

League Apps: 16 (1)

As was with Olivera, Milić was a cheap snip of a transfer which was never going to cause any major waves. His playing time has been sporadic and he is a definite downgrade on the outgoing Alonso, but from a business point of view, there wasn’t really much risk in this. In his 16 starts he registered 4 assists, which really isn't too shabby.

Who do you think was Fiorentina’s best defender of the 2016/17 season?