Chiesa okay, Falcinelli optimistic for Udinese

When both Federico Chiesa and Diego Falcinelli were subbed off in the 82nd minute against Chievo Verona, one might have expected to see the likes of Bruno Gaspar and Valentin Eysseric or Riccardo Saponara replace them as a calculated defensive ploy from Stefano Pioli; that’s been the Fiorentina mister’s modus operandi all year.

Instead, Fede needed help walking off the pitch after a really bad and dangerous tackle from Riccardo Meggiorini left him crumpled on the pitch for an extended period, holding his ankle as his teammates watched on. At the same time, Diego dropped to the ground, as an ankle knock of his own knocked finally caught up to him. We didn’t see the exact moment that he picked up the injury, but it was bad enough that he left the pitch on a stretcher.

Fortunately, neither one is badly hurt. Chiesa has made a full recovery and isn’t in any doubt for next week’s tilt with Udinese. Being 20 years old certainly has its advantages, as that challenge from Meggiorini could have easily knocked him out for a couple of weeks. Falcinelli, meanwhile, is also recovering from the blow to his ankle; while he’s not yet been cleared for the trip to Udine, the signs are positive right now. It’s hard to say if that’s good for us, as he wasn’t very good against Chievo, but the fallback plan is Cyril Théréau if Pioli opts to keep two strikers up top.