Viola Nation - Bologna vs Fiorentina: Serie A 2017/2018A Fiorentina blog for Viola fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50059/viola-fav.png2018-02-04T19:30:02+01:00http://www.violanation.com/rss/stream/167338472018-02-04T19:30:02+01:002018-02-04T19:30:02+01:00Bologna 1-2 Fiorentina: Recap and player ratings
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<img alt="Bologna FC v ACF Fiorentina - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SCIG8WmFRpJ04bHCrqvCnW3F81g=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58567483/914164660.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chiesa celebrating the match winner. | Photo by Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Federico Chiesa scores a brilliant winner to seal all three points in the Derby dell’Appennino</p> <h2 id="1V8J2x">Pre-Match</h2>
<p id="mfGEx5"><a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> made to short journey to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/bologna">Bologna</a> for the second installment of the Derby dell’Appennino. Fiorentina were the victors in the tie earlier on in the season with a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Federico Chiesa and German Pezzela. This time out, <span>Stefano Pioli</span> only made two changes after the horror show against Verona. Nikola Milenković replaces the suspended Pezzela and <span>Cyril Thereau</span> drops out in favor of Gil Dias who scored a consolation last time out. </p>
<p id="vqtoLS">The hosts are as expected but playing a 4-3-1-2, with the likes of Rordgio Palacio and <span>Mattia Destro</span> looking to score the goals for the Rossoblu.</p>
<h2 id="qHl5nv">First Half</h2>
<p id="ScfEYn">It took until the 15th minute for the first chance of the game, after a mistake by <span>Cristiano Biraghi</span>, he let <span>Andrea Poli</span> in down the right and after looking for Blerim Dzemaili it went fell to Destro whose shot was blocked. Bologna who had dominated the first 15 were just starting to show their teeth.</p>
<p id="E5d8Ff">Fiorentina however, came ever so close to taking an early lead. 21 minutes into the game after Gil Dias lost possession, it fell kindly to <span>Marco Benassi</span> on the edge of the area, who fired a first-time shot, which was smartly stopped by <span>Antonio Mirante</span>. </p>
<p id="1Swqfh">Bologna almost shot themselves in the foot two minutes later. The hosts were all at sea as Poli and Mirante got mixed up with who should clear the ball the former, Poli, cleared the ball straight to Veretout leaving an empty net but the Frenchman’s shot was blocked. </p>
<p id="qXbawv">Gil Dias who had been having a poor game showed what he could do. Just before halftime, after some clever step overs he got his shot away which was very well saved from Mirante diving to his right. </p>
<p id="3R0Npx">From the resulting corner, something incredible happened. Jordan Veretout opened the scoring directly from the set piece. His in-swinging corner swung all the way into the far corner over the top of Mirante, who was left helpless.</p>
<p id="5rQSul">Bologna however, responded brilliantly and Destro fired a bullet of a shot which was Incredibly saved by Sportiello on to the woodwork.</p>
<p id="yXQ3tC">Unbelievably from the following corner lightning struck twice, where Bologna equalized direct from a corner. Sportiello was caught out of position and could only punch it in his own net, Erick Pulgar swung it to near post and completely deceived the goalkeeper. Much like Veretout who had scored from the corner to finish what was a ludicrous last five minutes of the half. </p>
<h2 id="qu7Qdl">Second Half</h2>
<p id="IHd6iA">Three minutes into the half The Viola came close to restoring the lead, Marco Benassi played a great through ball to Gil Dias which set him clean through on goal. The winger tried to take it around Mirante but the keeper did well and managed to grab the ball away from Gil Dias. </p>
<p id="8Ee1n5">With an hour on the clock, Fiorentina were looking a lot more threatening in the second half but were just lacking that final ball and that extra killer instinct. Diego Falcinelli was brought on in the 67th minute to try and change that. </p>
<p id="aGdKRh">On 70 minutes Fiorentina found that killer instinct in sensational fashion. <span>Milan Badelj</span> played a through ball so exquisite to Chiesa, it deserves to be in the Uffizi Art Gallery. Chiesa jinked his way inside and emphatically finished it into the top corner. </p>
<p id="0syJOb">with 75 minuts on the clock, Bologna came very close to equalizing twice within two minutes. Firstly, Riccardo Orsolini whipped in a delicious ball in which was begging to be tapped home but eluded the Rossoblu attackers. Seconds later Badelj made a poor mistake and let in <span>Rodrigo Palacio</span> who tried to round Sportiello but fired his shot way over from a tight angle. </p>
<p id="jjaZTZ">Bologna were trying desperately to get an equalizer but Pioli who had switched to 3-5-2 saw his team manage the game brilliantly and give Bologna next to nothing in the last 15.</p>
<h2 id="GhMpVz">Post Match</h2>
<p id="ahfgy1">What a way to bounce back from the disappointment against Verona. The majority of the first half was unspectacular until the crazy final 5 minutes. Can’t say I’ve ever seen two goals like that in game let alone in the space of 5 minutes. Despite the equalizer, Fiorentina didn’t let that dishearten them, they controlled the second half for large parts and with a special goal from Chiesa including a brilliant assist from Badelj it sealed a huge three points. The confidence from this game is massive going into another big game next week against <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> next week. </p>
<h2 id="wYLTXr">Player Ratings</h2>
<p id="pgKS5t"><span><strong>Marco Sportiello</strong></span><strong>- 5</strong> Really should have saved the goal from the corner, really poor positioning. If you forget about that, he a had a good game. </p>
<p id="conhaq"><strong>Vincent Laurini- 5</strong> It’s definitely time for Laurini to start on the bench. was hauled off at half-time for Bruno Gaspar.</p>
<p id="pX4SzR"><span><strong>Davide Astori</strong></span><strong>- 7</strong> He’s a leader at the back and is essential for the viola. A strong commanding performance from the captain. </p>
<p id="Hm7Qz1"><strong>Nikola Milenkovic- 6</strong> A very solid game from the Serbian who has had limited game time. A good game for his confidence. </p>
<p id="NYTUVu"><strong>Cristiano Biraghi- 6</strong> Struggled at times to create and was caught out a few times defensively. Always offers himself </p>
<p id="nSOcNN"><strong>Milan Badelj- 8 </strong>Best Badelj performance for a long time, check out our <a href="https://www.violanation.com/2018/2/4/16970068/bologna-1-2-fiorentina-highlights-goal-video-veretout-chiesa-pulgar-serie-a">highlights piece</a> too see his brilliant assist. </p>
<p id="wJKbpV"><strong>Marco Benassi- 7</strong> A strong game from the midfielder who was always positive in his play.</p>
<p id="FLbXhf"><strong>Jordan Veretout- 7 </strong>Similar to Benassi. Veretout has been a brilliant signing and I’m sure Viola fans won’t forget his goal any time soon.</p>
<p id="YFBeMK"><strong>Gil Dias- 6</strong> Really did struggle in possession but did show glimpses of his pace and quality.</p>
<p id="WJf14J"><strong>Federico Chiesa- 8 </strong>What a goal it was to win the game. The calmness to take on the defenders and the composure to finish was exceptional. More of the same next time out, please.</p>
<p id="iPFfxX"><strong>Giovanni Simeone- 6 </strong>For all his effort he never really looked like scoring.</p>
<p id="z5Ccri">Bench:</p>
<p id="MUOvca"><strong>Bruno Gaspar- 6</strong> Slotted in very well to the team, wouldn't be surprised to see him start against Juve. </p>
<p id="ORpXaM"><strong>Diego Falcinelli- 5</strong> Didn't make much of an impact, but for the majority of the time he was on Fiorentina were looking to defend and hold the lead. </p>
<p id="9PO5kZ"><strong>Vitor Hugo- 6</strong> Did very well coming on in a difficult scenario, did his job effectively. </p>
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https://www.violanation.com/2018/2/4/16970004/bologna-1-2-fiorentina-recap-and-player-ratings-chiesa-derby-rivalry-serie-a-corner-goalsAWMiller152018-02-04T16:58:11+01:002018-02-04T16:58:11+01:00Bologna 1 - 2 Fiorentina: Highlights
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<img alt="Bologna FC v ACF Fiorentina - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UwOSGEO8njLiYGMSy_U6-MUu79c=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58567129/914143228.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Will their be protests after this game?</p> <h1 id="duSY2O">Pre-Match</h1>
<p id="BtU62d">After protests last week, <span>Stefano Pioli</span> changed up the squad a tad to see if it can spark better football.</p>
<h1 id="io5LTS">First Half</h1>
<p id="Wazwmp">For must of the first half it felt like a ping pong match until Jordan Veretout scored a goal while kicking a corner kick in the 41st minute. Yes you read that right he was the one taking the kick. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out this awesome video: Veretout Goal - Bologna vs Fiorentina 0-1 04.02.2018 (HD) <a href="https://t.co/M41p5u0gmO">https://t.co/M41p5u0gmO</a></p>— WHATYOUMISSED (@bamixos) <a href="https://twitter.com/bamixos/status/960165100140318720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2018</a>
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<p id="vFc0cg">Then a few minutes later Erick Pulgar did the exact same thing on a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/bologna">Bologna</a> Corner. What is going on here?</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out this awesome video: Pulgar Goal - Bologna vs Fiorentina 1-1 04.02.2018 (HD) <a href="https://t.co/WQRnJlTJ9Z">https://t.co/WQRnJlTJ9Z</a></p>— WHATYOUMISSED (@bamixos) <a href="https://twitter.com/bamixos/status/960166857440362496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2018</a>
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<h1 id="lkRzvI">Second Half</h1>
<p id="7fWSJM">Federico Chiesa ends the stalemate by collecting a pass and dribbling through the defense to bury the ball in the back of the net in the 70th minute.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">Vaya jugadón de toda la Fiore que termina Chiesa sentando a un defensa y definiendo a la perfección <br> <a href="https://t.co/PClEWMzZvL">pic.twitter.com/PClEWMzZvL</a></p>— La Voz del Calcio (@lavozdelcalcio) <a href="https://twitter.com/lavozdelcalcio/status/960175861692534785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2018</a>
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<h1 id="LckVwt">Full Time</h1>
<h3 id="DzFvfa">Goals</h3>
<p id="pq7aP9"><a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a>: Veretout (41’), Chiesa (70’)</p>
<p id="yMJM71">Bologna: Pulgar (44’)</p>
<h3 id="9imUQv">Yellow Cards</h3>
<p id="XFqlHi">Fiorentina: Biraghi (82’)</p>
<p id="Ot5IpK">Bologna: Mbaye (64’), Poli (83’)</p>
https://www.violanation.com/2018/2/4/16970068/bologna-1-2-fiorentina-highlights-goal-video-veretout-chiesa-pulgar-serie-aKyle_Zwiazek2018-02-04T14:29:44+01:002018-02-04T14:29:44+01:00Bologna vs Fiorentina: Official lineups and how to watch
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<img alt="ACF Fiorentina v FC Internazionale - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bCrfnEdHVitjv4TfK3rrzFn71vE=/0x0:2997x1998/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58566123/901905838.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>So, let’s get some vintage Astorinho this time out, yeah? | Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Join us in the comments for the Derby dell’Appennino</p> <h2 id="57Wy1Z">Late news</h2>
<p id="YyOoJq"><span>Roberto Donadoni</span> sets out his expected XI with the exception of the wings, where striker <span>Mattia Destro</span> and central midfielder Godfred Donsah will work. We could end up seeing more of a 4-3-1-2 with this personnel.</p>
<p id="iqgA5J"><span>Stefano Pioli</span> has made two changes from the side that was crushed by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/hellas-verona">Hellas Verona</a> last week. In defense, enormous young human Nikola Milenković comes in for the suspended Germán Pezzella instead of Vitor Hugo, although Vincent Laurini will continue despite his blooper-filled match against the Gialloblu. Further forward, Gil Dias will start on the wing instead of Cyril Théréau to offer some pace and dynamism opposite Federico Chiesa.</p>
<h2 id="DHeyNl">Lineups</h2>
<p id="ZRNDCO"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/bologna"><strong>Bologna</strong></a> (4-3-3): Mirante (c); Mbaye, Helander, De Maio, Masina; Poli, Pulgar, Dzemaili; Destro; Palacio, Donsah</p>
<p id="0amvga"><a href="https://www.violanation.com/"><strong>Fiorentina</strong></a> (4-3-3): Sportiello; Laurini, Milenković, Astori (c), Biraghi; Veretout, Badelj, Benassi; Chiesa, Simeone, Dias</p>
<h2 id="bkQGLP">How to watch</h2>
<p id="DoSCQY"><strong>TV</strong>: Probably not, but check <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/2547637/bologna-vs-fiorentina/">here</a> if you’re a dangerously optimistic person.</p>
<p id="YMsBYj"><strong>Online</strong>: <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/2547637/bologna-vs-fiorentina/">Here</a> is your list of safe, reliable, and legal streams. Any links to illegal streams in the comments will be deleted, and anyone who posts those links will be cast into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. If you’re a Twitter person, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Viola_Nation">give us a follow</a>, because we’ll be providing live match commentary there. Otherwise, keep it here in the comments for the usual camaraderie and dismay.</p>
<p id="FZisCa"><strong>Forza Viola!</strong></p>
https://www.violanation.com/2018/2/4/16969820/bologna-fiorentina-official-lineups-watch-online-serie-a-comment-thread-derby-dell-appenninoThe Tito2018-02-04T07:42:39+01:002018-02-04T07:42:39+01:00Bologna vs Fiorentina: Preview
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<img alt="SSC Napoli v ACF Fiorentina - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i3VTPDjh4sAfxvl9CKhNn7bdTr0=/0x70:1161x844/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58565261/890008628.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pictured: utmost confidence. | Photo Franco Romano/Nurphoto</figcaption>
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<p>The Viola will look to turn things around in the always-fiery Derby dell’Appennino.</p> <p id="KTyK92">It’s time for the Derby dell’Appennino, everybody! This clash between northern clubs <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/bologna">Bologna</a> goes all the way back to 1928, and the two have played each other 140 times, with the Tuscans well in the lead: 52 wins, 45 draws, and 43 losses to their Emilian neighbors. In their last 10 Serie A meetings, the visitors are W6 D1 L3, scoring 15 and conceding 6. When these sides met earlier this year in Florence, it ended at <a href="https://www.violanation.com/2017/9/18/16322292/fiorentina-2-1-bologna-match-review-recap-player-ratings-grades-derby-dell-appennino-chiesa-pezzella">2-1 for the hosts</a> in a rather uneven contest.</p>
<p id="SbylqR">The referee for this one is Daniele Doveri. Under his watch, the Viola are W10 D1 L6, although the two he’s handled this year were both losses: 1-0 at <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> and 1-2 at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sampdoria">Sampdoria</a>. In 11 matches this season in Serie A, he’s handed out 48 yellow cards, 2 red cards, and 2 penalties.</p>
<p id="7jX8YH">The match will be played Sunday, 4 February 2018, at 2 PM GMT/9 AM EST in the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna.</p>
<h2 id="XKb5xO">Bologna</h2>
<p id="2WSoW1">The Oscar Meyers are the definition of a steady midtable side these past three years under the leadership of Roberto Donadoni. They also gave <span>Stefano Pioli</span> his second chance in Serie A back in 2011, eventually sacking him two and a half years later. Anyways, the Rossoblu are in 12th place right now, just about where you’d expect, with a record of W2 L3 over their last 5. They’re a point behind their opponents despite having a -6 goal difference, grinding out results with a physical midfield and a pacy group of players on the wings in a 4-3-3.</p>
<p id="nBM8R9">Donadoni does have a few problems in his lineup for this one. Most notably, winger and captain <span>Simone Verdi</span> (hamstring) is absent for another month, which is a serious blow; the 25-year-old’s 6 goals lead the club. Keep an eye for Sebastien de Maio at the back as well, as the Frenchman joined the Veltri this summer. Up top, veteran <span>Rodrigo Palacio</span> has been his usual energetic self, and Juventus loanee Riccardo Orsolini could make an appearance as well to replace Verdi.</p>
<h2 id="MoqfJW">Fiorentina</h2>
<p id="rceyV3">If you’re looking for a word to describe the Viola right now, shambolic is a good start, but probably doesn’t paint a complete picture of the misery. Over their past 5, they’re W1 D2 L2, including a humiliating <a href="https://www.violanation.com/2018/1/29/16943840/fiorentina-1-4-hellas-verona-recap-player-ratings-serie-a">1-4 reversal</a> to 19th-place <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/hellas-verona">Hellas Verona</a> last week that saw the fans in the Curva walk out of the match in a protest that continued in the street outside the Franchi.</p>
<p id="NDhF5h">Stefano Pioli is now surely on the hot seat. On the plus side (?), he hasn’t lost any key parts of his squad, so he has consistency for this one. On the other hand, this squad has been responsible for all the terrible results thus far. Anyways, expect to see the usual XI, although Gil Dias may get a start after a goal last week, and Bruno Gaspar could return to the lineup after a horror-show from Vincent Laurini.</p>
<h2 id="z7X4lU">Possible lineups</h2>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aqWRshrxl8g6vr7bmHXuKIuyTWs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10152247/02042018_at_bologna.png">
<cite><a href="http://www.sharemytactics.com/">Share My Tactics</a></cite>
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<h2 id="7V42EA">How to watch</h2>
<p id="yRgJsa"><strong>TV</strong>: <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/2547637/bologna-vs-fiorentina/">Check</a> here, but nah.</p>
<p id="iP9Q6K"><strong>Online</strong>: <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/2547637/bologna-vs-fiorentina/">Here</a> is your list of safe, reliable, and legal streams.</p>
<h2 id="eizgQg">Ted’s Memorial Blind Guess Department</h2>
<p id="HBcEFp">Well, since it can’t be worse than last week (right?), let’s call this one a 0-2 win for the visitors behind strikes from Giovanni Simeone and Jordan Veretout, with <span>Marco Sportiello</span> saving a penalty from Palacio to preserve an impressively energetic performance from the Tuscans.</p>
<p id="onV5G9"><strong>Forza Viola!</strong></p>
https://www.violanation.com/2018/2/4/16969152/bologna-vs-fiorentina-preview-serie-a-prediction-lineup-watch-online-stream-derby-dell-appenninoThe Tito