Viola Nation - Inter Milan vs Fiorentina: Serie A 2017/2018A Fiorentina blog for Viola fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50059/viola-fav.png2017-08-22T00:00:02+02:00http://www.violanation.com/rss/stream/159270992017-08-22T00:00:02+02:002017-08-22T00:00:02+02:00Inter 3-0 Fiorentina: Statistical analysis
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v ACF Fiorentina -Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/00u5CHMz6R8IkKGMSiWu_vnF3R0=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56294027/835990002.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tracking back again. | Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Have a look at some of the numbers from this debacle and what they mean.</p> <p id="QHAheI">Some of yall may remember that I used to crunch a bunch of numbers after every <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> match and then attempt some analysis on them. I got out of the habit over the past year or two because there was too much other stuff on the site to take care of, but now that we’re fully staffed again, I’m going to pick it back up, albeit a little bit differently. Instead of analyzing every number I can get my hands on, I’m going to highlight a few telling statistics that best explain the match. I’ll be using data from <a href="http://WhoScored.com">WhoScored.com</a>.</p>
<h2 id="bvSojL">Inter start fast, but Fiorentina grow into the match</h2>
<p id="GzOJqD">It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> passed the ball much better in the early stages, but the numbers provide a pretty good picture of that dominance. Inter played a total of 227 passes in the first half hour, compared to 166 for Fiorentina. The Nerazzuri also played the ball forward 135 times and played 53 passes in the final third, compared to 80 and 37 for the Viola.</p>
<p id="MSvPqR">The rest of the way, though, the guests out-passed the hosts 402 to 357. Of those passes, Fiorentina played 250 forward and 144 in the attacking third, compared to 228 and 97 for Inter.</p>
<p id="84nnBe">So what’s it mean? Well, Inter’s passing didn’t really change that much throughout the match between the opening 30 minutes and the final 60. The rate at which they passed the ball generally, and also moved it forward and in the attacking third, stayed pretty constant. That indicates that they didn’t really ease off, but continued trying to attack. It also indicates that, even as Fiorentina improved, the midfield remained incapable of slowing down its opposite numbers. Then again, considering that Inter played a higher rate of forward passes and not nearly as many in the final third, that indicates that the Viola figured out, at least partially, how to prevent their opponents from getting into the danger areas quite as much.</p>
<p id="QhObAY">For Fiorentina, though, it’s much more interesting. They played nearly 50% more forward passes after the half hour mark, and nearly doubled the rate at which they passed the ball in the final third. This indicates that the team worked out how to move the ball out from defense and all the way forward as the match wore on. However, the high number of passes in the final third seems to indicate that Inter were willing to let their guests maintain possession near the goal, sitting back as the Gigliati midfield shuffled the ball around the area without really doing much else.</p>
<h2 id="TDcFvs">Viola overrun in the wide areas</h2>
<p id="rwcicM">If you look at the defensive actions for the Fiorentina wide men (Valentin Eysseric and Gil Dias), what jumps out is how diligently the wingers tracked back. Eysseric made 3 tackles and an interception fairly deep on the left wing, while Dias made 3 and 1 on the right; their heat maps also attest to their workrate. When your wingers are that willing to help defend, your fullbacks can pinch in and help squeeze opposing attacks.</p>
<p id="e3exGY">The problem was that the fullbacks didn’t hold up their end of the bargain. Nenad Tomović had the man on the back post for both goals, but didn’t mark well enough to prevent the cross from reaching its target. On the final goal, you can see Gil Dias in the box and ready to mark Ivan Perišić should the Croat have cut back towards the ball; when he sees that Tommy let Perišić drift onto the back post, he’s visibly infuriated, and justifiably so: dropping all the way back like that, then sprinting forward to join the attack, is exhausting enough without such demoralizing mistakes.</p>
<p id="b7j796">The knock-on effect of dropping the wide players back so far, of course, is that the defense often lacks an out ball. With Marco Benassi unable to influence the match from an unfamiliar trequartista role, Giovanni Simeone and <span>Khouma Babacar</span> spent more time trying to track down their teammates’ clearances than actually receiving passes to feet, head, or in space. With the defense so woeful even with the wingers dropped deep, <span>Stefano Pioli</span> will have to wonder if it’s worth leaving his wide men further forward to jump start the attack if the flanks are going to be overrun no matter what.</p>
<h2 id="di9IBF">Conclusions</h2>
<p id="6MZCDY"><a href="https://www.violanation.com/2017/8/21/16177402/it-is-way-too-early-to-panic-fiorentina-serie-a-inter-milan-3-0">As Kyle reminded us</a>, Fiorentina are going to get a lot better in the coming weeks. After all, this XI probably hadn’t ever played together before Sunday. Once they’ve worked out each other’s tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses, they should be much better moving the ball around and creating chances. The fact that they were this good in their first match together should inspire a lot of confidence for, say, the second half of this season. Let’s also remember that Pioli was down two-thirds of his attacking three, what with Federico Chiesa suspended and both <span>Riccardo Saponara</span> and Matías Fernández injured. It’s going to get better, yall. Can’t read too much into this one.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/2017/8/22/16178924/inter-3-0-fiorentina-analysis-numbers-statistics-stats-serie-a-tacticsThe Tito2017-08-21T00:50:02+02:002017-08-21T00:50:02+02:00Inter Milan 3-0 Fiorentina: Recap and player ratings
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v ACF Fiorentina -Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NPjMS0m2TQgouv0ui0QoJsWW0FM=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56279329/835933456.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Please come back Borja. | Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Much work to do as Inter dominate on opening day. </p> <h2 id="6HjcGi">Pre Match</h2>
<p id="yKamyf">The new season is back and to kick things off Pioli went with a 4-2-3-1 system with some surprises. Gil Dias and Giovanni Simeone, who only signed recently for the club and barely trained, were thrown straight into the firing line. Also, Nenad Tomovic got in front of Bruno Gaspar for the opening game. As far as the hosts go, they went with former Viola players <span>Borja Valero</span> and Matias Vecino who both started the game. Similarly to <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a>, it was a 4-2-3-1 system for the Nerazzurri. </p>
<h2 id="dD55Yy">First Half</h2>
<p id="ofn3cj">It only took until the fourth minute for the first moment of drama as the newly appointed captain <span>Davide Astori</span> fouled Mauro Icardi. The Argentine was looking for the penalty and Astori did pull his leg away from the striker but it was clumsy from Astori. To no surprise, Icardi stepped up and sent <span>Marco Sportiello</span> the wrong way. It was the worst possible start for Pioli’s men. Inter, however, were in full flight. A few minutes later Vecino almost got one over his former employers as he got onto a Nagatomo cross but just didn't connect with it as he missed the target. A familiar sight for Viola fans. </p>
<p id="N2Dzn0">15 minutes in, things went from bad to worse. <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a>’s key attacking players combined in Ivan Perisic and Icardi. The former whipped in a peach of a ball in for Icardi who rose above Tomovic to nod home. Fiorentina had simply not started, a polar opposite to their hosts. It was Icardi’s ninth goal against Fiorentina in 11 games, a sensational record for the attacker. </p>
<p id="DjwCxv">Inter were playing some brilliant stuff. After a swift attacking move Brozovic was charging down on goal who then forced Sportiello into a fantastic low save to his right. The Nerazzurri midfield was absolutely dominating the Viola’s midfield trio. Borja Valero was showing the Viola fans what they were missing. </p>
<p id="B6lZJJ">It took until the 26th minute for Fiorentina to really test Samir Handanovic. It was good looking delivery from Eysseric who found Giovanni Simeone who was stretched to get a head but got good contact which forced the Slovenian into a good stop. </p>
<p id="7PjcUU">On the flip side every time Inter went forward they looked as if they were going to score. The home side should have when Candreva played a delicious ball to Perisic who unselfishly tried to play it to Icardi. If not for Olivera it would have been curtains, who did well to cut out the pass and deny a goal. Fiorentina had grown into the game since falling two goals behind, with the likes of Eysseric getting on the ball looking to create a comeback.</p>
<p id="NXvQQa">A new tool to referees is VAR and it was used to adjudicate if Fiorentina were awarded a penalty after Simeone was pushed by Miranda. While it does have its positives, it breaks up the play far too much for simple decisions. </p>
<h2 id="sfme2o">Second Half</h2>
<p id="LRfW4p">Much improvement was needed for La Viola in the second half.However, Icardi came closest in the second period, and only a smart save from Sportiello denied the striker.</p>
<p id="hMUXRy">15 minutes in Cristoforo was the first substitution of the game for a possibly injured Marco Benassi, and the Uruguayan made a bright start. With a good forward run he got into the box and played a low cross which was asking for someone to fire home but no Viola attacker was in sight.</p>
<p id="qM9524">Khouma Babacar was next to be summoned by Pioli and replaced Simeone, and came ever so close to pulling one back for the visitors. After a fine interception by Astori high up the pitch, he found Gil Dias who laid it off for Babacar and struck it first time from 25 yards. However, Samir Handanovic pulled off a fine stop to deny him. While it still remained 2-0, La Viola certainly improved in the second half. </p>
<p id="5VSsKR">As the game entered the final quarter, Inter were very much playing on the counter-attack and really should have sealed the victory. Icardi was sent through but unselfishly played it to <span>Roberto Gagliardini</span> who blazed over. While Fiorentina pushed harder for a goal it was beginning to look like it’d be their downfall. They were guilty of throwing too many players forward therefore leaving many gaps in the defence. </p>
<p id="ULiMck">Fiorentina’s best chance of the game fell to Jordan Veretout. The debutant was inches away from getting a goal back. From a corner, it was played back to the edge of the area and the Frenchman absolutely rifled a shot towards goal. Handanovic was absolutely rooted to the spot. He stood and could only watch as it crashed off the post. So unlucky as the shot looked destined for the back of the net.</p>
<p id="FeS8Gv">Minutes later, the game was sealed. Substitute Joao Mario crossed to the far post where Perisic was in acres of space. The Croat dove down to head the ball and left Sportiello with little chance. Nenad Tomovic deserves the assist for some awful positioning, as he was nowhere near his opponent. Despite conceding three goals, Sportiello wasn't having a bad game. The new number one denied Icardi with a fantastic save high to his right shortly after the third goal.</p>
<h2 id="gknQKX">Post Match</h2>
<p id="m1u05l">It’s only the first game of the season so let's not get too down about tonight's result. With 6 new faces in the starting line-up, it took Fiorentina a while to get used to playing with each other. It’s going to take time for Pioli to get his message across and get the team to gel to his style, especially the defence who really struggled, and especially Tomovic but that's not exactly surprising. The positives? Eysseric looks good. A creative spark cutting in from the left, looked to find Simeone with some good crosses. Speaking of the Argentine he also had a good debut and the front three of Gil Dias, Eysseric and Simeone looks promising. Also it’s worth noting that Chiesa and Saponara weren't playing and were missed. </p>
<h2 id="0btaHq">Player ratings</h2>
<p id="g3IMlj"><strong>Marco Sportiello - 7</strong></p>
<p id="3PG3ZC">Made some good saves along the way, wasn't helped out by his defence. Could have been even worse if it wasn't for his acrobatics. </p>
<p id="LqxXGj"><strong>Nenad Tomovic - 4 </strong></p>
<p id="5x3CLm">Where do I begin with this mess? Was at fault for two goals. Please play Bruno Gaspar, Pioli.</p>
<p id="fpSOhW"><strong>Victor Hugo - 5</strong></p>
<p id="al37uM">Really struggled to deal with Icardi. He looked lost at times, might take him some games to get used to Serie A. </p>
<p id="5i5nmQ"><strong>Davide Astori - 5</strong></p>
<p id="pcIRiG">Looked overawed in the first half but did grow into the game. Positive going forward as well. Also struggled alongside Hugo, a lot of work to be done as they get to know each other's games. </p>
<p id="tcH0jb"><strong>Maxi Olivera - 5</strong></p>
<p id="FgJLzr">Allowed Candreva and co far too much space, wasn't great going forward either.</p>
<p id="siVzRU"><strong>Carlos Sanchez - 4</strong></p>
<p id="2w9gYj">Was lost in the game, Inter’s midfield dominated the Colombian he was very fortunate to play the full 90. </p>
<p id="nKN5hz"><strong>Jordan Veretout - 6</strong></p>
<p id="vMkLXN">Solid enough debut for the Frenchman. Almost scored an absolute rocket while it was 2-0. Promising debut. </p>
<p id="MoMIUD"><strong>Gil Dias - 6</strong></p>
<p id="pHU34j">A constant threat but didn't really have the final ball. An exciting player with his pace. But slightly one dimensional at times. Could be a great player from the bench when Chiesa is back.</p>
<p id="wTU2t9"><span><strong>Marco Benassi</strong></span><strong> - 6 </strong> </p>
<p id="MPtfBW">Was playing out of position to be fair to him needs to play back, came off injured hard to make a real assessment of him because of this.</p>
<p id="4YLxd9"><strong>Valentin Eysseric - 7 </strong></p>
<p id="CtVwan">Fiorentina’s most creative player. Real excited to see what he can do in the future. Very good debut in difficult circumstances. </p>
<p id="6SWjVj"><strong>Giovanni Simeone - 6</strong></p>
<p id="w4adU6">Good debut and had Fiorentina’s best and only chance of the first half. Was an isolated figure up top but a lot more to come from the Argentine. </p>
<p id="0df2Q7"><strong>Bench:</strong></p>
<p id="AiYnqe"><strong>Sebastian Cristoforo</strong> 6: Promising introduction, but was never going to give that attacking threat to really make a difference. </p>
<p id="D8Uko6"><span><strong>Khouma Babacar</strong></span> 6: Would have been nice to see him play up top with Simeone but he applied himself well and almost scored a long ranger. </p>
<p id="LgPZDg"><strong>Rafik Zekhnini</strong>: N/A wasn't on the pitch enough to make an impact. </p>
https://www.violanation.com/2017/8/21/16176160/inter-milan-3-0-firoentina-recap-and-player-ratings-valero-icardi-pioli-serie-a-san-siroAWMiller152017-08-20T22:43:40+02:002017-08-20T22:43:40+02:00Inter 3-0 Fiorentina: Highlights
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v ACF Fiorentina -Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LDmugEXekioLCIR7vcklLZn-yKo=/0x0:2130x1420/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56278939/835929514.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>That kind of day. | Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Or should we say, “Highlights.”</p> <h2 id="51G12g">First half</h2>
<p id="JlemT2">Things started poorly for <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a>, as <span>Davide Astori</span> clipped <span>Mauro Icardi</span> in the area in the 6th minute, and the <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> striker made no mistake with his penalty.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">[VIDEO] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InterFiorentina?src=hash">#InterFiorentina</a> 1-0. <a href="https://twitter.com/MauroIcardi">@MauroIcardi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CN69?src=hash">#CN69</a> <a href="https://t.co/xzAbsHOQBY">pic.twitter.com/xzAbsHOQBY</a></p>— CPO - Curva Nord (@c_poluan) <a href="https://twitter.com/c_poluan/status/899350085644845056">August 20, 2017</a>
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<p id="VyxCaV">The Argentine doubled his tally 9 minutes later, splitting Nenad Tomović and Vitor Hugo at the back post to meet an Ivan Perišić cross. The defense should have done better, honestly.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">Con este gol de Mauro Icardi el <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Inter?src=hash">#Inter</a> se pone 2 x 0 en el marcador <a href="https://t.co/yChk9dMXup">pic.twitter.com/yChk9dMXup</a></p>— CML SPORTS (@CMLSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMLSport/status/899347151679094784">August 20, 2017</a>
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<h2 id="prsYAd">Second half</h2>
<p id="WzLpKJ">At 79’, João Mário floated a cross through the area, and Tomović completely lost track of Perišić on the back post. The Croatian got low to head past Sportiello and complete the rout.</p>
<h2 id="RvHBGB">Full time</h2>
<p id="wRHLVO"><strong>Goals</strong>: Icardi 6’ (pk), 15’ (ass. Perišić), Perišić 79’ (ass. João Mário)</p>
<p id="GF1kgB"><strong>Bookings</strong>: Sánchez 13’</p>
https://www.violanation.com/2017/8/20/16176358/inter-milan-3-0-fiorentina-highlights-goals-icardi-full-time-result-video-serie-aThe Tito2017-08-20T19:48:02+02:002017-08-20T19:48:02+02:00Inter vs Fiorentina: Lineups and how to watch
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v SSC Napoli - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K1y0_4PqQ3WDBtsBkZ1GR2rcFB0=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56277483/675242634.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>That face sums up how we feel about this one too. | Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s your match thread for the first league game of the Pioli era. Whoo?</p> <h2 id="VwBRGC">Late news</h2>
<p id="fGt2ot">Luciano Spalletti has surprisingly picked <span>Yuto Nagatomo</span> and Marcelo Brozović in his first XI, while recently departed Viola men <span>Borja Valero</span> and Matías Vecino will also feature from the start.</p>
<p id="Sgx9jy"><span>Stefano Pioli</span> has opted for Giovanni Simeone up top, with <span>Marco Benassi</span> as the number 10 and Valentin Eysseric and Gil Dias on the wings. Carlos Sánchez will partner Jordan Veretout in the middle as <span>Milan Badelj</span> is fit only for the bench, while Nenad Tomović will get the start over Bruno Gaspar at rightback.</p>
<h2 id="wTCYg6">Lineups</h2>
<p id="FAoUc1"><a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/"><strong>Inter Milan</strong></a><strong> </strong>(4-2-3-1): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Skriniar, Miranda, Nagatomo; Vecino, Brozovic; Candreva, Valero, Perisic; Icardi (c)</p>
<p id="PropJY"><a href="https://www.violanation.com/"><strong>Fiorentina</strong></a><strong> </strong>(4-2-3-1): Sportiello; Tomovic, Hugo, Astori (c), Olivera; Sanchez, Veretout; Gil Dias, Benassi, Eysseric; Simeone</p>
<h2 id="HWcsB0">How to watch</h2>
<p id="k31HqS"><strong>TV</strong>: If you’re outside of Italy for this one, you’re probably not going to watch it on the television.</p>
<p id="MnUij9"><strong>Online</strong>: <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/2542358/internazionale-vs-fiorentina/">Here</a> is your list of safe, legal, and reliable streams. Links to illegal streams in the comments will be deleted, and hear ye, hear ye, whosoever postseth such a stream shall be banned forthwith. We’ll be providing live updates via Twitter, so <a href="https://twitter.com/Viola_Nation">give us a follow</a> if that’s your thing. Otherwise, keep it here with your fellow Viola tifosi in the comment section.</p>
<p id="hFoDZb"><strong>Forza Viola!</strong></p>
https://www.violanation.com/2017/8/20/16175976/inter-milan-vs-fiorentina-lineups-official-how-to-watch-online-stream-comment-threadThe Tito2017-08-20T18:57:19+02:002017-08-20T18:57:19+02:00OFFICIAL: Milan buys Nikola Kalinić
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<img alt="ACF Fiorentina v FC Torino - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Pl0MSUhaJc8BXVAyu0BbPk0y8Kk=/0x0:1998x1332/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56277111/646038742.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>So long, and thanks for all the fish. | Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Fiorentina’s leading scorer over the past 2 seasons will be wearing red and black stripes next year, but we’re okay with it.</p> <p id="NHEZvR">In an end to the worst-kept secret of this mercato, Nikola Kalinić has finally packed up his bags and moved to <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com/">AC Milan</a>, who have sent €25 million the other way; there could be another €5 million-ish if he hits certain performance incentives. We’ve been waiting on <a href="https://twitter.com/acmilan/status/899307793936654337">the announcement </a>for a couple of months now, so it feels like a pretty serious anticlimax.</p>
<p id="9bEegK">Kalinić arrived in Florence for €5.5 million from Dnipro in 2015, and our collective reaction was a resounding shrug. He’d had an okay if unremarkable run with the Ukrainian outfit, notching 49 goals in 125 appearances, which helped restore a reputation in shambles after his unimpressive spell at Blackburn. All he needed, though, was a better team around him, as he exploded out the gate, scoring 10 league goals before Christmas, including a hat-trick and utter demolition of <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a>. He looked like the real deal, the sort of player capable of challenging for capocanniere for another several years.</p>
<p id="TGrxas">Then he cooled off in a big way, scoring just 2 more the rest of the way. He was better last year, scoring 20 in 42 appearances, but his streakiness kept him from ever looking like a world-beater again and, more than his ability to hold up the ball, his clever movement, or his sometimes acrobatic finishing, that streakiness became his calling card. After a public flirtation with Chinese outfit Tianjin Quanjian in January, it began to look like he’d be leaving this summer, and Vincenzo Montella’s Milan ended up as the frontrunners.</p>
<p id="6KaMwT">We should be a lot more upset to see a 20-goal striker leaving, but Nikola’s heart is clearly not in Florence anymore; he’s gone AWOL from training for the past day or two, leading the club to fine him, and his number 9 shirt’s been taken by newcomer Giovanni Simeone. He’ll finish his <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> career with 33 goals and 11 assists in 84 appearances, good for 22nd all time in the purple shirt.</p>
<p id="31J9em">It’s also tough to see how much space he’ll get with the Rossoneri, as their very public failed pursuits of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Diego Costa, Álvaro Morata, and pretty much any other striker worth a lot of money makes him seem like the sort of date you call 10 minutes before the dance after striking out with everyone else. He’ll also have to compete with new acquisition of André Silva, who scored a brace in his debut against Shkëndija, as well as promising youngster Patrick Cutrone and, er, Fabio Borini.</p>
<p id="dOny6T">So farewell, Slender Man. You gave us some wonderful moments. We’ll miss the brilliant holdup play, the clever flicks and wonderful runs, the odd spectacular goal. We won’t miss the frequently wayward finishing, but we’re probably not going to see that when he plays Fiorentina; he’ll probably score a brace to frustrate us all just one more time, for nostalgia’s sake.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2017/8/20/16172324/fiorentina-nikola-kalinic-ac-milan-buy-sell-loan-transfer-signing-official-striker-croatiaThe Tito2017-08-18T21:45:01+02:002017-08-18T21:45:01+02:00Inter Milan vs Fiorentina: The key battles
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<img alt="ACF Fiorentina v FC Internazionale - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RgURM2aSDURzjU3me0Ie57HBEcA=/0x0:2997x1998/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56261597/671642542.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Can Babacar maintain his impressive record against Inter? | Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Fiorentina travel to Milan to face Inter - We take a look where the game could be won or lost.</p> <p id="g34C5V">With the first game of the new season on the horizon, we take a look at the key individual battles in which the viola will have to come out on top. </p>
<h3 id="JekzYQ">Davide Astori Vs <span>Mauro Icardi</span>
</h3>
<p id="g3EgjY">We start with the teams’ Captains. Davide Astori was already a big part of the defence last season, however, his responsibilities have been elevated significantly. He not only has his own defensive priorities but he’s got to lead the defence which could potentially feature two new recruits, in Bruno Gaspar and Vitor Hugo. To add to his worries he’s against one of Serie A’s most feared strikers in Mauro Icardi. The Argentine has a superb record against <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a>, scoring seven goals in ten games and also creating a further two. While it will take a team effort to stop <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a>’s biggest threat, it’s Astori’s primary duty to marshal Icardi and deny him from adding to his impressive record. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="ACF Fiorentina v FC Internazionale Milano - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GSnVRm3x-tZ0IpTFzpGEobxgRkw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9073941/510255246.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Who will come out on top at the San Siro?</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="fIDNEh">Bruno Gaspar Vs Ivan Perišić</h3>
<p id="ErxGUq">It’s safe to say Fiorentina will most likely be on the back foot for the majority of the match. Therefore, the defence will be key in stifling the Inter attacking force. It’s quite a debut for the new right back Bruno Gaspar. As we all know there has been a desperation for a new right back and to see the end of Nenad Tomovic playing there. If Gaspar can manage to keep the likes of Perisic quiet, Fiorentina may have just found their regular right back. Perisic has been constantly linked away with a move to <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/united-not-conceding-perisic-defeat-11006672">Manchester United, who are still interested</a> in the winger. However, it’s looking like he’s going to be playing on Sunday. The winger who was involved in 22 of Inter’s goals last year scoring 11. This is going to be one of the key battles on match day and Spalletti will no doubt look to one of his key creative talents to seriously test the debutant Gaspar. It will be intriguing to see how it plays out. </p>
<h3 id="E6Ys97">João<strong> Mario vs </strong><span><strong>Milan Badelj</strong></span>
</h3>
<p id="7GuhT7">After much confusion regarding the future of Milan Badelj it looks like he will be playing his football in Florence well at least til the winter mercato. “Milan Badelj will wear the Viola shirt in the upcoming season,” <a href="http://it.violachannel.tv/vc13-dettaglio-breaking/items/id-15-08-2017_15-27-19_badelj-resta-in-viola.html">Fiorentina announced on their official website.</a> If the Croat does start with Benassi and Vertout against Inter he will be the anchor in the Viola midfield. It’ll be his job to deny the likes of Joao Mario from pulling the strings in the number 10 role. </p>
<h3 id="kq48Nm">
<span>Khouma Babacar</span> Vs João Miranda </h3>
<p id="J7EVZb">Enough of the defensive side of Fiorentina’s gam. Let’s focus a little on how the Viola are going to try to win the game. <a href="https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2017/8/16/16145222/fiorentina-giovanni-simeone-genoa-transfer-buy-sell-official-signing-striker">Since Giovanni Simeone only just joined the club</a>, it's expected that Khouma Babacar will lead the line. The Senegalese striker also has a mightily impressive record against the Nerazzurri. In five appearances he’s scored four and been on the winning side on four occasions. Babacar also has a point to prove this season: with Simeone waiting in the wings <a href="https://www.violanation.com/special-features/2017/8/17/16138436/fiorentina-khouma-babacar-striker-preview-report-season-squad-roster-2017-2018-first-choice-starter">it’s now or never for Babacar this season.</a> He’s up against a new partnership possibly with Martin Skriniar as well as the experienced Miranda. The latter is a formidable opponent. However, Babacar came out the better in what was a dominating performance, <a href="https://www.violanation.com/2017/4/23/15394676/fiorentina-5-inter-milan-4-recap-review-player-ratings-babacar-icardi-vecino-serie-a">in the incredible 5-4 victory at the Franchi. </a></p>
<h3 id="2Wsp9w">
<span><strong>Stefano Pioli</strong></span><strong> vs Luciano Spalletti </strong>
</h3>
<p id="wbBc2J">Another twist to the tale is the battle between the two new coaches. Pioli, now the former Inter coach, goes into his first game against his old employers. On the other hand, Spalletti’s looking to get one over the club who sacked him after just 27 matches in charge. Both managers will set up similarly looking to play 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. The record between the two managers is overwhelmingly in favour of Spalletti. Pioli has never beaten the former Roma manager. The best he’s got is a draw on one occasion. Not an amazing statistic for Viola fans but this weekend's game would be a fine way to change it. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FC Internazionale v AS Roma - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dvWjnvxLLLEFUN-WMwiDb2eUPME=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9074213/645596554.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Both managers will be looking for a winning start in their new positions. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="x2yVjF"></p>
https://www.violanation.com/2017/8/18/16167986/fiorentina-vs-inter-the-key-battles-milan-league-season-italy-serie-a-openerAWMiller152017-08-18T04:00:02+02:002017-08-18T04:00:02+02:00A chat with the enemy: Matt Clark gives us the scoop on Inter
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<img alt="ICC Singapore - FC Internazionale v Chelsea FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5xONQMgsVBWKHASzH2i2YIyVQYY=/0x25:2001x1359/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56246181/824233514.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Working on some subterfuge. | Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images for ICC</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The site boss over at Serpents of Madonnina was kind enough to answer some questions about what we can expect in the season opener.</p> <p id="Vj3pKh">With the Serie A kicking off in just a few short days, it’s time to look at <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a>’s season-opening opponent. Because whoever designs the league’s schedule is twisted and evil, the Viola will travel to the San Siro to meet <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> and a couple of recent departures. Anyways, we got in touch with Matt Clark, who’s the boss over at our sister site <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Serpents of the Madonnina</a> and a really cool and talented dude, to answer some questions about the Nerazzuri.</p>
<p id="FObGxF"><strong>Viola Nation</strong>: As we head into this Serie A season, what’s going on at Inter Milan that makes you feel pretty good? Conversely, what’s going on that’s got you feeling not so good?</p>
<p id="k7im2f"><strong>Matt Clark</strong>: First, one of the best things, at least to Nerazzurri fans, is the signing of Luciano Spalletti. His leadership is something we have all been looking for and his presence is enough to create solid optimism about Inter’s chances. On the down side, we are in the midst of dealing with midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia’s refusal to practice as he wants out of Milan. Hey, the own-goal against Chelsea was a killer, but I’m not sure he has lived up to his potential here.</p>
<p id="cP7VoY"><strong>VN</strong>: What grade would you give Inter’s mercato? Who’s going to have the biggest impact on the team (please don’t say <span>Borja Valero</span> because ripping at scabs isn’t a great thing)? Who’s the biggest waste of time and energy?</p>
<p id="zWO7Fz"><strong>MC</strong>: Inter’s mercato started very slow thanks to Financial Fair Play. We really didn’t get involved until after the FFP deadline of June 30. That said, while we haven’t dropped as much cash as <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com/">AC Milan</a>, we have had some quality pickups — two of which came from Florence but shall remain nameless! The biggest impact player we have picked up this transfer season would have to be Dalbert from Nice. Right now, our weakness is on defense, but adding Dalbert and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sampdoria">Sampdoria</a>’s Milan Skriniar eases those fears a bit. Dalbert is quick and controls the ball well. He can be a great counterattack option with his speed and ability to move the ball forward. If I had to point the finger at a waste of time in the mercato, perhaps <span>Daniele Padelli</span> as a backup goalkeeper from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a>, but that would be a big stretch to suggest it was a waste of time to sign him on a free transfer.</p>
<p id="WQJcES"><strong>VN</strong>: For this match in particular, which Nerazzuro is going to be most important? Who’s got the best matchup? Who are you worried about?</p>
<p id="YIsY3H"><strong>MC</strong>: For this match in particular, I would like to think Joao Mario will be the most important. With the most midfield experience in Milan right now, it will be up to him to help direct traffic both on offense and defense. He’s had a solid preseason and with Ivan Perisic and <span>Mauro Icardi</span> healthy and ready to play up front, Mario is going to need to be on his A-game to feed the ball through. I worry about our defense in its entirety. I haven’t been convinced with Yuto Nagatomo’s play in the back. Despite Dalbert and Skriniar being there, I still think we have some holes to fill.</p>
<p id="fQRKOW"><strong>VN</strong>: Which Viola player are you most anxious to face? Which one are you looking forward to picking on?</p>
<p id="hlr91l"><strong>MC</strong>: I am anxious to see Bruno Gaspar. I think you billed it correctly when you said he can be a lynchpin for the Viola this season, if given the opportunity. The right side has been a thorn in the Viola’s side for a few years now and Gaspar can go a long way to shoring that up. If he can, it could stifle Inter’s attacking game.</p>
<p id="JFxWhO"><strong>VN</strong>: Since yall are now veterans of the <span>Stefano Pioli</span> experience, what do you expect to see from Fiorentina under his tutelage in this match, and for the season in general?</p>
<p id="40IJ1D"><strong>MC</strong>: With Pioli it can be a mixed bag. It could end well, or it could be an absolute disaster. The bigger concern for the Viola has to be the upper management and not so much what is going on with field leadership. That said, if management strips his players away, don’t expect Pioli to take that lying down.</p>
<p id="rSbams"><strong>VN</strong>: Last of all, let’s do the prediction game so everyone can laugh at us for not knowing a darn thing. What’s the pattern of this match, and what’s the final scoreline?</p>
<p id="rro31j"><strong>MC</strong>: In terms of predicting the first game of the season, we just set ourselves up to be laughed at because, well, it’s the first game of the season. All of that said, I think despite the holes, Inter’s defense is going to hold Fiorentina a bay while Perisic, Éder and Mario exploit an untested defense. I would say 3-1 to Inter.</p>
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https://www.violanation.com/special-features/2017/8/18/16151912/inter-milan-fiorentina-preview-serpents-of-madonnina-matt-clark-conversation-interview-serie-aThe TitoM.A. Clark2017-08-17T22:30:02+02:002017-08-17T22:30:02+02:00Inter vs Fiorentina: Preview
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<img alt="ICC Singapore Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/frPtfeH7lalop2vR0I8bpPoXaKU=/0x0:2996x1997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56242761/823848346.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>This is obscene. | Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images for ICC</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Whoo boy, you think we have enough storylines in this one?</p> <p id="eiqkmi"><a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> will begin its Serie A season with a trip to the San Siro to face <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> in a match which proves that fate (or more realistically, whoever rigs the league schedules) has a flair for narrative. The Viola hired ex-Nerazzuri manager <span>Stefano Pioli</span> to right the ship, while the Nerazzuri snapped Viola midfield mainstays <span>Borja Valero</span> and Matías Vecino, which makes for plenty of storylines on each side.</p>
<p id="ZPQrWb">Over their past 10, the Gigliati are W6 L4 to their hosts, although the most recent meeting in Milan resulted in a 4-2 loss. There have also been 6 red cards issued in those past 10 matches, as well as an average of 4.1 goals scored, so this tends to be a very exciting fixture.</p>
<p id="qpMQlp">The referee for this one is Paolo Tagliavento, who’s not exactly a popular man around Florence. Under his watch, the Gigliati are W9 D6 L13, including 2 losses last season in which he made some abject decisions. We wouldn’t be shocked to see more of the same.</p>
<p id="q5Xvf9">The match will be played on <strong>Sunday, 20 August 2017</strong>, at <strong>7:45 PM GMT/2:45 PM EST</strong>, at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (better known as the San Siro) in Milan, Italy.</p>
<h2 id="5h60KW">Inter Milan</h2>
<p id="zvAOxC">Following a chaotic outing last season, the Suning Commerce Group have pumped a whole lot of cash into the Nerazzuri, incurring a net loss of over €33 million in this window and bringing veteran manager Luciano Spalletti aboard to oversee things. As a result, expectations are high on the blue side of Milan, although few pundits seem to consider them a threat for the Champions League places, much less the Scudetto.</p>
<p id="8lKj00">Spalletti will have the full squad at his disposal, which means we should have a decent idea of what to expect. He usually runs out a 4-2-3-1 that’s noted for being quite fluid in the attacking phase and occasionally a bit absent on the back end. In his first game with a new team and at home, he very well may tell his players to focus on keeping the ball and controlling the match to put Fiorentina’s untested backline under pressure, although such a strategy would expose his own inadequacies in defense as well.</p>
<p id="9QhZfW">He also has several choices to make about the names in his first XI. €20 million centerback Martin Skriniar should start over <span>Jeison Murillo</span> and <span>Andrea Ranocchia</span>, while new boy Dalbert should fill in at leftback, but the names in central midfield are unclear. <span>Roberto Gagliardini</span> is a likely starter, but any of Valero, Vecino, Charles Kondogbia, or Marcelo Brozović could partner him. Further forward, João Mário will probably work as the number 10, with <span>Antonio Candreva</span> and Ivan Perišić on the wings, although Éder could also get a start here. Up top, captain (seriously) <span>Mauro Icardi</span> is the primary dangerman.</p>
<h2 id="V1eHNQ">Fiorentina</h2>
<p id="KH6icb">Well, it’s been a heck of a summer. Pretty sure we can agree on that. After having our hearts ripped out at the start of the mercato with the departures of <span>Federico Bernardeschi</span>, Gonzalo Rodríguez, and Borja, Pantaleo Corvino has done a very good job of building what looks to be an exciting and competitive (albeit in another year or two) squad on a shoestring budget, which has perked the tifosi up quite a bit in the past few weeks.</p>
<p id="EFb1Jq">New mister Stefano Pioli has the advantage in this one of knowing the opponent pretty well, as he coached them last season. He’ll probably use his favorite 4-2-3-1 formation and try to focus on protecting the defense with the midfield, then transitioning quickly down the wings. Given the difference in payroll, budget, and (sigh) quality between the sides, it’d be hard to blame Pioli for setting out with a rather negative approach focused on counter-attacking. He’ll be without <span>Riccardo Saponara</span> (leg) and Federico Chiesa (suspension), which definitely puts a damper on the attack.</p>
<p id="0h0eYd">Just like his opposite number, the Gigliati boss has some choices to make. Vitor Hugo should partner <span>Davide Astori</span> in the middle, as Nikola Milenković is an untested teenager and Germán Pezzella probably won’t have settled in enough to feature. Bruno Gaspar is the likely choice at rightback, although Nenad Tomović’s defensive “steadiness” could be preferred. At leftback, <span>Cristiano Biraghi</span> is the better player, but Maxi Olivera’s familiarity with the rest of the side could hand him the early start. <span>Milan Badelj</span> seems a lock for midfield, but <span>Marco Benassi</span> may be pushed forward, opening space for Jordan Veretout or even Carlos Sánchez. In Chiesa’s absence, Valentin Eysseric, Benassi, Matías Fernández, Rafik Zekhnini, and Ianis Hagi could all work in the attacking three, while Gil Dias probably hasn’t trained with the team enough yet to merit a start. <span>Khouma Babacar</span> will probably get the nod here over new boy Giovanni Simeone up top.</p>
<h2 id="bCH0BM">Possible lineups</h2>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gDTPU9W739vSRxCdUeW6TxolgkA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9068003/08202017_at_inter.png">
<cite><a href="http://www.sharemytactics.com/">Share My Tactics</a></cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="c9jCde">How to watch</h2>
<p id="VjoFm3"><strong>TV</strong>: Nope. Nope nope nope.</p>
<p id="PjZnWl"><strong>Online</strong>: <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/2542358/internazionale-vs-fiorentina/">Here</a> is a list of safe, legal, and reliable streams. As always, we will delete any links to illegal streams in the comments, and probably ban anyone who posts them. If you’re the Twitter type, <a href="https://twitter.com/Viola_Nation">give us a follow</a>, as we’ll be providing live commentary via tweets. Otherwise, keep it here, because we’ll publish a comment thread so you can hang out with all your friends at Viola Nation.</p>
<h2 id="1i4jR6">Ted’s Memorial Blind Guess Department</h2>
<p id="sFg3vG">Blech. It’s hard to see this defense keeping a clean sheet against Icardi and company, so let’s cross our fingers and hope for a 2-2 stunner, with Icardi and (of course) Vecino on the mark for the hosts, while Babacar and Benassi pull the visitors level late. Please?</p>
<p id="MWHSs2"><strong>Forza Viola!</strong></p>
https://www.violanation.com/2017/8/17/16162046/inter-milan-fiorentina-serie-a-opener-preview-predict-lineups-expect-how-to-watch-online-streamThe Tito