Viola Nation - Internazionale vs Fiorentina 2015A Fiorentina blog for Viola fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50059/viola-fav.png2015-09-28T23:10:50+02:00http://www.violanation.com/rss/stream/91651242015-09-28T23:10:50+02:002015-09-28T23:10:50+02:00Internazionale 1-4 Fiorentina: Match Highlights
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wpQW4qHZBVdR2vfTaBCeVK8HY_E=/2x0:2998x1997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47283248/GettyImages-490324024.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Fancy watching highlights of Fiorentina's thrashing of Inter just one more time? Oh go on then...</p>
https://www.violanation.com/2015/9/28/9411043/internazionale-1-4-fiorentina-match-highlights-videoChloe_Beresford2015-09-28T22:28:54+02:002015-09-28T22:28:54+02:00The heroes are welcomed at Campo di Marte<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bxm473xso1E" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Fresh from their 4-1 victory against Inter at the San Siro, the Fiorentina squad were greeted at Campo di Marte train station by a crowd of vociferous viola fans who had waited until 2am for their arrival. There were surely some sore heads in Florence this morning!</p></p></div>
https://www.violanation.com/2015/9/28/9410595/the-heroes-are-welcomed-at-campo-di-marteChloe_Beresford2015-09-28T20:25:49+02:002015-09-28T20:25:49+02:00Inter 1-4 Fiorentina: Statistical recap
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<img alt="New band name: Paulo Sousa and the Art of Cognitive Dissonance" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rEZsich19MvPi5TTb1yhcHEIUvA=/0x0:2992x1995/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47279482/GettyImages-490324012.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>New band name: Paulo Sousa and the Art of Cognitive Dissonance | Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Or, the anatomy of a good old-fashioned drubbing.</p> <p>On some days, writing these is hard. But that day is not today. This is basically an exercise in the metrics of a dominant performance. As always, numbers come from <a href="http://www.whoscored.com/">WhoScored.com</a>.</p>
<h5>Team statistics</h5>
<p> </p>
<table style="width: 80%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Possession</td>
<td>Passes (short/long)</td>
<td>Passing success</td>
<td>Crosses/attempted</td>
<td>Dribbles/attempted</td>
<td>Shots (on target)</td>
<td>Shots inside/outside area</td>
<td>Tackles/attempted</td>
<td>Interceptions</td>
<td>Aerial duels won/attempted</td>
<td>Fouls</td>
<td>Yellow/red cards</td>
<td>Corners</td>
<td>Offsides</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inter</td>
<td>31%</td>
<td>372 (64/297)</td>
<td>79%</td>
<td>4/10</td>
<td>11/17</td>
<td>5 (2)</td>
<td>2/3</td>
<td>12/24</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>8/20</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>4/1</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fiorentina</td>
<td>69%</td>
<td>814 (740/58)</td>
<td>92%</td>
<td>4/13</td>
<td>12/15</td>
<td>12 (8)</td>
<td>7/5</td>
<td>12/23</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>12/20</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>2/0</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>Player statistics</h5>
<p> </p>
<table style="width: 80%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Short passes/attempted</td>
<td>Long passes/attempted</td>
<td>Crosses/attempted</td>
<td>Dribbles/attempted</td>
<td>Shots (on target)</td>
<td>Shots inside/outside area</td>
<td>Touches</td>
<td>Possession lost</td>
<td>Tackles/attempted</td>
<td>Interceptions</td>
<td>Successful aerial battles</td>
<td>Fouls committed/suffered</td>
<td>Yellow/red cards</td>
<td>Offsides</td>
<td>Saves</td>
<td>Goals</td>
<td>Assists</td>
<td>Minutes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tatarusanu</td>
<td>16/17</td>
<td>1/3</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0 (0)</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Astori</td>
<td>90/92</td>
<td>8/14</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0 (0)</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>111</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0/3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gonzalo</td>
<td>79/80</td>
<td>4/5</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0 (0)</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>90</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>1/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roncaglia</td>
<td>63/68</td>
<td>2/4</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>0 (0)</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>82</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2/2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3/2</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>74</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alonso</td>
<td>42/46</td>
<td>1/2</td>
<td>1/5</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>1 (0)</td>
<td>0/1</td>
<td>61</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1/0</td>
<td>1/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Badelj</td>
<td>74/76</td>
<td>6/8</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>3/4</td>
<td>1 (1)</td>
<td>0/1</td>
<td>102</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5/6</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>81</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vecino</td>
<td>90/93</td>
<td>5/6</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>2 (0)</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>109</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2/3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blaszczykowski</td>
<td>33/44</td>
<td>2/5</td>
<td>0/2</td>
<td>0/1</td>
<td>0 (0)</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0/1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Valero</td>
<td>71/73</td>
<td>5/5</td>
<td>1/2</td>
<td>1/2</td>
<td>1 (0)</td>
<td>0/1</td>
<td>89</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0/2</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1/3</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ilicic</td>
<td>63/65</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>2/2</td>
<td>2 (2)</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>80</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>0/1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2/3</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kalinic</td>
<td>17/19</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>2/2</td>
<td>4 (4)</td>
<td>4/4</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0/1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3/2</td>
<td>1/0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tomovic</td>
<td>38/38</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>1 (1)</td>
<td>1/0</td>
<td>41</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gilberto</td>
<td>18/19</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/1</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>0 (0)</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1/2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fernandez</td>
<td>6/8</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>0/1</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0 (0)</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1/1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0/0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5>Conclusions</h5>
<p><span>Paulo Sousa</span> has found his new formation. The 3-4-2-1 ends up being the solution. The secret is having Matías Vecino buzzing around the center of the pitch with <span>Milan Badelj</span> mopping up behind him, with <span>Borja Valero</span> and Josip Ilicic (or <span>Giuseppe Rossi</span>) as twin trequartistas behind the striker. Borja finally had space today, able to both drift wide to cross the ball and drop deep to keep possession, and also able to escape the <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Inter Milan</a> midfielders' complete focus due to Ilicic operating in the same vicinity. Given, it was against a ten-man side, but <a href="https://www.violanation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Fiorentina's</a> complete dominance over the entire match, along with excellent performances from every player (excepting Ciprian Tatarusanu and maybe Jakub Blaszczykowski), indicates that Sousa's found his jam.</p>
<p>Some quick observations: this team is much better in possession when <span>Davide Astori</span> plays. He's a much better passer than <span>Facundo Roncaglia</span> or Nenad Tomovic, which means opponents can't press Gonzalo and then wait for the long ball. Vecino's numbers, while not as eye-popping as his performance against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/bologna" class="sbn-auto-link">Bologna</a>, covered a full 12 kilometers in this one. His mobility is really useful, as he can move to space for an easy pass. Kalinic still hasn't taken a shot from outside the box this season.</p>
<p>So yeah, this is the blueprint for a table-topping side. Let's see if the boys can keep it up.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/2015/9/28/9408167/inter-1-4-fiorentina-statistical-recap-analysis-september-2015The Tito2015-09-27T19:57:31+02:002015-09-27T19:57:31+02:00Inter Vs. Fiorentina: Lineups & How to Watch
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cQuQ1_apv4teF3VxT3oCenIFUC8=/0x0:2996x1997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47271146/GettyImages-489703388.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Paulo Sousa opts for a settled midfield lineup with Josip Iličić and Nikola Kalinić up front as Fiorentina take on Inter at the San Siro</p> <p>The kick off in this mouth watering tie between Inter and Fiorentina at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium is drawing near. The <i>viola </i>took six points from the <i>nerazzurri </i>last season, however since then coach Roberto Mancini has strengthened his side considerably; including the acquisition of former Fiorentina striker Stefan Jovetić from Manchester City.</p>
<p>As expected, former Fiorentina players Felipe Melo and Stefan Jovetić will start, with Adem Ljajić on the bench, as Mancini opts for a 4-3-3.</p>
<p>Paulo Sousa starts with 3 at the back and two up front - Josip Iličić and Nikola Kalinić leading the line. Matías Vecino keeps his place after the midweek win against Bologna, as the <i>viola</i> midfield begins to look settled.</p>
<p>A win for Fiorentina will see them top Serie A at the end of the evening, it may be early days but this feels like a huge game - even at this stage of the season. Forza Viola!</p>
<h3><b>Lineups</b></h3>
<p><b>Internazionale (4-3-3) </b>Handanovic; Santon, Miranda, Medel, Telles; Guarin, Melo, Kondogbia; Perisic; Jovetic, Icardi</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>FIORENTINA: (3-5-2) Tatarusanu; Roncaglia, Gonzalo, Astori; Kuba, Vecino, Badelj, Borja, Alonso; Iličić, Kalinić</b></p>
<h5><br></h5>
<h5><span>How to watch</span></h5>
<p><strong>TV</strong>: The match will be shown live on BT Sport Europe in the UK and BeIN Sports in the USA. For TV viewing options where you are click <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1665359/internazionale-vs-fiorentina/">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Online</strong>:<a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1665359/internazionale-vs-fiorentina/"> Here's a list of legal streams</a> for this one. Any posts of illegal streams in the comments will be deleted, and repeat offenders will be banned. As always, you can follow along with our live updates on <a href="https://twitter.com/Viola_Nation">Twitter</a> and like our<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ViolaNationSBN"> Facebook page</a>.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-match-coverage/2015/9/27/9401657/internazionale-fiorentina-2015-serie-a-lineups-team-news-live-online-streamingChloe_Beresford2015-09-27T08:30:01+02:002015-09-27T08:30:01+02:00Sousa and Gonzalo press conference
<figure>
<img alt="Symphonic." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MDXAtOaXkK6HjyrrkZQefOF1x2E=/0x0:2992x1995/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47271750/GettyImages-489703286.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Symphonic. | Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Fiorentina's manager and new captain have some thoughts about the game against Inter.</p> <p><a href="https://www.violanation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Fiorentina</a> mister <a href="http://fiorentina.it/it/news/articolo.55.36165/conferenza-sousa-segui-il-live-su-fiit.html">Paulo Sousa fielded some questions</a> about the upcoming match against <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Inter Milan</a>. He started out by discussing the table-topping opponents. "They have quality individuals, and also maturity and experience, including the manager. The club has an important history. The team is balanced, able to get results without creating many chances," although that could just as well describe Fiorentina. He tried his hand at some Jose Mourinho psych-outs, adding that the pressure is on the Nerazurri more than the Viola: "We don't have the advantage; we're just going to play a team that wants to challenge for the Scudetto. Right now, we should just be happy to compete at this level." He also diplomatically addressed the referee (Damato) who is known to be an Inter fan: "If we start with these doubts about the game, we can hardly do well. I'd rather point to the support of our fans than the referee."</p>
<p>He also talked about his team's style of play, specifically the fact that Fiorentina currently leads Serie A in time of possession. "It's certainly easier to win when you have possession. But we all have different ideas of the beautiful game. My colleague Vincenzo played a great game and had important players...Playing well, to me, is having absolute control of the game, while creating scoring chances."</p>
<p>New captain Gonzalo was also rather reserved, effusive in his praise for both his own team and his opponents. He singled out the Inter strikers for special praise. "Icardi is a good striker, but Inter generally have good strikers. Is he like Batistuta? It's difficult to compare anyone to Bati. I don't think there's a striker like him today."</p>
<p>He was even more complimentary about Viola alumnus Stevan Jovetic: "As for Jovetic, it's nice to meet a former teammate like him. I always had a good relationship with him, and he's a complete striker. He's physically strong, and has a good understanding with Icardi. We'll have to defend as a team." The importance of a team effort was the focus of Gonzalo's comments, actually, along with the length of the season. "We weren't poor before, and we aren't phenomenal now. We have to win every game, and now we'll think about winning on Sunday." He added, They’re top of the table, but we want to win on Sunday and take first place. We want to continue with this positive run of form, playing as we know we can, giving 100 per cent and playing with humility." He continued, "There are still a lot of points to be played for, there’s a long way to go and we’re only at the beginning of the season. We have to continue what we’ve been doing."</p>
<p>Overall, the mister and the captain sound confident, but respectful of their table-topping opponents. Hopefully the performance tomorrow backs up the words today.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/2015/9/27/9402239/gonzalo-rodriguez-paulo-sousa-interview-inter-milanThe Tito2015-09-26T16:05:59+02:002015-09-26T16:05:59+02:00Inter vs Fiorentina: Preview
<figure>
<img alt="Stevan's still got the dance moves, even if his shirt is the wrong color." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N0AiGS-dccm01JzlTVrkM8MLfI0=/0x157:2670x1937/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47258746/GettyImages-485239422.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stevan's still got the dance moves, even if his shirt is the wrong color. | Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>First hosts second in this early clash which could shake up the top of the table.</p> <div class="pullquote">
<div align="right">Inter Milan vs Fiorentina<span>Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan<br>Sunday, September 23<br><br><font size="1">8:45 PM local, 2:45 PM EST, 11:45 AM PST</font></span>
</div>
</div>
<p>After <a href="http://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-match-coverage/2015/9/23/9386105/fiorentina-vs-bologna-2015-final-score-2-0">an encouraging win over Bologna</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> travels to the Giuseppe Meazza to take on Interazionale, who've won every game they've played. The Nerazzuri have what looks like most of Prandelli's stalwarts on their roster, just in case this one wasn't shaping up to be dramatic enough. And a win would put Fiorentina top of the table for the first time since the season opener in 2005 (for the record, this is the first time they've reached second since 2008). So yeah, this is a big deal.</p>
<h5><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a></h5>
<p><span>Roberto Mancini</span> has done an excellent job with Inter thus far, winning five from five, which is better than even Erick Thohir could have imagined when he spent a fortune on new players this summer. To thicken the plot, former Viola heartthrob and Manchester City loanee Stevan Jovetic has been Inter's key man, scoring five goals in as many games. Jojo looks better in Serie A than he ever did in the Premier League, which is joyous, but hopefully he'll tone it down for this one. Former Viola standouts Adem Ljajic and <span>Felipe Melo</span> are also key players for Inter, so there'll be no lack of familiarity.</p>
<p>Mancini has opted for four defenders and three midfielders in every game, but has varied his tridente. He either uses two wingers and striker, or two strikers and trequartista. In midfield, he seems to favor powerful, functional players. He'll be missing center back Nemanja Vidic, who's already missed months with a herniated disc and won't return until January at the earliest; other than that, he has a full squad to choose from.</p>
<h5>Fiorentina</h5>
<p><span>Paulo Sousa</span> has to be feeling good, as Fiorentina have ground out results, even though they haven't really convinced yet. A win at Inter would go a long way to solidifying the fans' and club's confidence in him, so he'll want this one very badly. Expect the traveling tifosi to cheer Jovetic, who remains dear to Fiorentina fans' hearts; similar treatment for Ljajic and Melo (who is likely to try and break <span>Borja Valero</span>) is unlikely.</p>
<p>Sousa doesn't have any absences to worry about, either. Look for him to rotate some players; especially up front, and to make some changes in the midfield to deal with Inter's physicality. I expect him to go for a 4-3-3 again, mostly because his options at right wingback are rather unappealing (Jakub Blaszczykowski played ninety minutes on Wednesday, and Gilberto simply isn't ready for a game like this), although he could try a 3-5-2 and switch to a 4-3-3 part way through. With Rossi, Ilicic, Bernardeschi, and Kalinic fully rested, I expect whichever one doesn't start will be subbed in at halftime.</p>
<h5>Predicted lineups</h5>
<p><strong>Inter</strong> (4-3-1-2): Handanovic; <span>Juan Jesus</span>, Murillo, Miranda, Santon; Melo, Guarin, Kondogbia; Perisic; Jovetic, Icardi</p>
<p><strong>Fiorentina</strong> (4-3-3): Tatarusanu; Alonso, Gonzalo, Astori, Tomovic; Valero, Suarez, Fernandez; Rossi, Kalinic, Bernardeschi</p>
<h5>Shameless homer prediction</h5>
<p>Fiorentina are unlikely to push the throttle down and go for a big win, so I think this will be a cautious one. Inter's midfield trio will try to control the center of the pitch and will probably see lots of the ball, but without much penetration. I'm betting on a rather dull 1-1, with Jovetic wriggling through the defense and firing in a low shot from the top of the box, and a Rossi penalty after Murillo fouls Kalinic in the box.</p>
<h5>How to watch</h5>
<p><strong>TV</strong>: If you have BeIn, you've got this one. If you don't, I'd suggest making friends with someone who does.</p>
<p><strong>Online</strong>:<a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1665359/internazionale-vs-fiorentina/"> Here's a list of legal streams</a> for this one. Any posts of illegal streams in the comments will be deleted, and repeat offenders will be ban-hammered. As always, you can follow along with our live updates on <a href="https://twitter.com/Viola_Nation">Twitter</a> and like our<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ViolaNationSBN"> Facebook page</a>.</p>
<p>This is a big one. Let's do it.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/2015/9/26/9391909/internazionale-inter-fiorentina-preview-september-2015The Tito