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Fiorentina have nearly all the ingredients necessary for a nuclear-powered counterattack. Federico Chiesa and Luis Muriel both possess searing pace and both can beat a defender without even trying all that hard. Combined with a strong defense; some strong-running support farther back in Marco Benassi, Gerson, and Cristiano Biraghi; and a triggerman in Jordan Veretout who can launch the break, this should be one of the scariest attacks in Serie A.
And, sporadically, it is. Putting 7 past AS Roma is a pretty incredible feat. However, an inability to unlock a deep, compact, and stubborn Udinese shows that there’s one piece missing. Given Stefano Pioli’s obvious preference for the 4-3-3, that means that there’s one other attacker spot of for grabs, even if nobody has yet successfully staked a claim.
So who is it? Giovanni Simeone is young and runs his lungs out in the defensive phase, but his finishing has left a lot to be desired this year and he lacks the technique to consistently beat his man or shoot from distance. Marko Pjaca has a heck of a resume but hasn’t ever looked the same since shredding his knee, and has frustrated Fiorentina supporters with his anonymous performances. Gerson is talented, but he’s more of a central midfielder by nature. Marco Benassi has the goals in him but has never played striker, and in fact seems to be more of a wingback/midfielder hybrid. Kevin Mirallas has a wealth of experience and knowledge, but seems like he may not have the legs anymore, as his recent non-contact injury indicates. The likes of Tòfol Montiel and Dušan Vlahović, who’ve looked brilliant with the Primavera, are simply not ready for Serie A, but if you’re the endlessly optimistic type, maybe they’d work out.
Poll
Out of all these interesting but flawed options, then, which would be the best addition to the Viola tridente?
This poll is closed
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46%
Giovanni Simeone
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10%
Marko Pjaca
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2%
Gerson
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4%
Marco Benassi
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13%
Kevin Mirallas
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14%
Tòfol Montiel
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7%
Dušan Vlahović