ACF Fiorentina

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Magical Mutu takes Fiorentina forward
www.uefa.com – Thursday 10 April 2008



A superb goal in each half from Adrian Mutu ensured ACF Fiorentina progressed to the UEFA Cup semi-finals while recording their 50th victory in European competition at PSV Eindhoven.

Positive approach
With the Serie A side having to score to stay in the tournament after a 1-1 first-leg draw, they started in an adventurous 4-3-3 formation. This duly paid dividends when Mutu hammered in an unstoppable long-range free-kick seven minutes before half-time. Eight minutes into the second half the Romanian international registered his sixth goal of this UEFA Cup campaign to end any lingering hopes PSV had of mounting a comeback. Sébastien Frey saving Timmy Simons' penalty on 80 minutes summed up what was a frustrating night for Sef Vergoossen's men.

Early chances
The first attempt on goal came from PSV on five minutes, when Danny Koevermans fired in a low drive from outside the box, forcing Frey to make a one-handed save. Fiorentina had an even better opportunity soon after, but the unmarked Alessandro Gamberini headed Mutu's deep cross wide. Ten minutes later Mario Alberto Santana had a clear sight of the PSV goal from near the penalty spot, yet Heurelho Gomes got down smartly to deny the forward.

Evident relief
The visitors were enjoying territorial supremacy, with Mutu in particular seeing a lot of the ball, but the final delivery into the PSV area was often disappointing. However, the Dutch title-holders survived a real scare after 25 minutes when Carlos Salcido diverted a low centre from Riccardo Montolivo fractionally over his own bar to the player's evident relief. Ten minutes later 19-year-old PSV defender Slobodan Rajković made an excellent block on a goalbound shot from Santana.

Marvellous Mutu
On 38 minutes the Viola finally forced the breakthrough. Fabio Liverani rolled a free-kick to Mutu who drilled a marvellous swerving strike into Gomes's top right-hand corner from 20 metres. PSV looked shell-shocked and, at the break, centre-forward Danko Lazović was brought on for the subdued Otman Bakkal. If that was the cue for a second goal, it came at the wrong end for Vergoossen as Fiorentina soon doubled their advantage.

Second goal
Gomes did well to keep out an attempt from Giampaolo Pazzini, who had broken clear, only for Mutu to calmly stroke in the rebound with his left foot from just outside the box, leaving PSV needing to score twice. Claudio Prandelli's men nearly added an instant third but Gomes tipped Montolivo's effort around the post. Minutes later Lazović missed from close range and Gomes also had a miraculous escape when he was caught out by a lob from Marco Donadel but tipped the ball on to the crossbar and then, lying on his back, gathered before Mutu could tap in for his hat-trick.

Penalty save
PSV saw a glimmer of hope with ten minutes remaining when Fiorentina captain Tomáš UjfaluÅ¡i was adjudged to have fouled Lazović when going for a Balazs Dzsudzsák cross. But to complete a miserable evening for the Eindhoven side, Simons' spot-kick was saved by Frey. Fiorentina now face Rangers FC, although an early booking means Donadel will be suspended for the first leg of the rematch of the inaugural UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final from 47 years ago, on 24 April at Ibrox.

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Viola look to L’Imperatore
Football Italia – Friday 18 April, 2008

Inter exile Adriano is being linked with a return to Fiorentina and the tuition of former mentor Cesare Prandelli.

Inter sent the Brazilian hitman on loan to Fiorentina in 2002 and then to Parma for two years, where he worked under Prandelli.

Forming a devastating partnership with current Viola star Adrian Mutu, Adri scored 23 times in 37 games to earn the call back to San Siro.

However, the bright lights of Milan proved too much for L’Imperatore to handle and he has been sent to Sao Paulo to recover from the psychological and physical problems that saw him cut out of Roberto Mancini’s plans.

The change seems to have helped the 26-year-old as he found the net 11 times in his homeland and impressed national Coach Carlos Dunga.

As Inter have no shortage of striking options and are excited by the development of Mario Balotelli, there could be more room for Adriano at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The Viola are headed for the Champions League and will need to add striking reinforcements to aid Mutu, Christian Vieri – should the veteran stay - and Giampaolo Pazzini.

Alberto Gilardino has reportedly been crossed off the Gigliati’s shopping list due to his unrealistic wage demands, leaving Adriano a real possibility.

Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has been in Brazil trying to ascertain Adri’s state of mind and negotiations with Serie A’s leaders could begin in the next month.

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Fiorentina savour a purple patch
www.news.bbc.co.uk – By Giancarlo Rinaldi

Nine years ago Fiorentina were on a Champions League run which saw them record famous victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.
Three years later they were playing against Castelnuovo Garfagnana in Italy's fourth division.

Even in the tempestuous world of Italian football the Viola - the Purples - have had an eventful recent history.

Back in the 1990s with the likes of Gabriel Batistuta and Rui Costa in their side they were serious league title contenders.

However, their financial foundations under owner Vittorio Cecchi Gori were shaky and the club was sent down to Italy's lowest professional league due to its economic collapse.

Thanks to fresh investment from shoe magnates Diego and Andrea Della Valle they returned to Serie A in 2004 but even since then things have not gone smoothly.

In their first season back in the top flight the side from the Stadio Artemio Franchi flirted with relegation but survived late in the day.

The following campaign they qualified for the Champions League only to have that prize taken off them due to their part in the Calciopoli scandal.

It showed the undue influence some clubs - particularly Juventus - had in the selection process for match referees.

As part of their sentence the side from the Renaissance City also received a hefty points penalty for last season which effectively killed their chances of a top four finish once again.

Nonetheless, thanks in large part to the goals of Luca Toni, they managed to qualify for the Uefa Cup this campaign.

They currently sit in a Champions League spot in Serie A, while Rangers stand between them and a first major European final in 18 years.

The boys from the banks of the river Arno have got to this stage with a youthful side which likes to play attacking and skilful football.

And in manager Cesare Prandelli they have one of the most astute tacticians in Italy.

His teams like to play an adventurous 4-3-3 formation but with wide men who can work back to create five in the midfield when the side has to defend.

The heart of the team is born-again Romanian Adrian Mutu who has come through some hard times - most notably his well-publicised drugs problem at Chelsea - to become an highly influential figure.

He used to play under Prandelli at Parma and clearly going back to his old mentor has brought the best out of him.

Mutu has had a number of strike partners this season but he works most effectively with former Italy Under 21 international Giampaolo Pazzini.

The young forward announced himself to a wider audience with a hattrick against England Under 21s in the match which opened the new Wembley.

Another star performer is French goalkeeper Sebastien Frey who has been in outstanding form this year.

He would probably be a regular for his country if they were not run by such an eccentric figure as Raymond Domenech.

The Florentine defence relies on the solid Alessandro Gamberini, Dario Dainelli and Tomas Ujfalusi at its heart with Martin Jorgensen sometimes asked to play as a makeshift right-back while Manuel Pasqual marauds forward on the left.

In the midfield there is an interesting array of options at Prandelli's disposal.

He has the craft and guile of Fabio Liverani, the exquisite technique of Riccardo Montolivo, the versatile Massimo Gobbi or the all-round ability of Zdravko Kuzmanovic to call on.

In addition, he has midfield enforcer Marco Donadel on the books although the long-haired battler is suspended for the first game at Ibrox.

The Viola have shown with their gutsy survival against Everton and a classy win over PSV Eindhoven that they are more than a match for anyone.

They believe it is their destiny to meet up with old striker Luca Toni and his Bayern Munich team in the Uefa Cup final in Manchester.

It will be up to Walter Smith and company to prove them wrong.

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Rangers and Fiorentina battle to 0-0 draw

GLASGOW, April 24 (Reuters) - Rangers fought out a 0-0 draw with Fiorentina in a tense UEFA Cup semi-final first leg at Ibrox on Thursday.
There were few clear scoring chances created in a cagey affair, although Rangers, fielding a depleted side through injury and suspension, could feel the happier.

Romanian striker Adrian Mutu had the first shot on target after 12 minutes but his 20 metre effort flew straight at keeper Neil Alexander.
It was a false start in a frustrating first half with Rangers only lifting their support with a surging run from the halfway line by French striker Jean-Claude Darcheville.

But, following his charge into the box, his low cross was blocked and ran back to French keeper Sebastien Frey.

There was little in the way of chances until five minutes from the interval as both sides seemed content to play out a draw.

Argentine Mario Alberto Santana pounced after a through ball into the penalty area, but as keeper Alexander dived down to meet him , Rangers' defender Carlos Cuelllar came to the rescue with a deft tackle 12 metres out.

Rangers rallied after the interval and a quickly taken free-kick down the right by Kirk Broadfoot released Nacho Novo but the Spanish striker blazed his shot across the near side netting from just inside the box.

Fiorentina fired back with a 30-metre shot from the middle by Santana which forced keeper Alexander to plunge to his right and smother the danger on the line.

The second leg is next Thursday in Florence.

[vtec]

excellent...hope it is a battle, that fiorentina win on penalties, muhahaha

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Yeh I'm sure you do Tekster. And how about Bayern, only drawing 1-1 with Zenit at home? Bit of a shock if they don't make it through. Here's hoping Fiorentina can do Italy proud and go all the way.

[vtec]

i watched that game and it was brutal. zenit actually had the best chances in the dying minutes. bayern missed luca toni big time.

[Messinterista]

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Atletico Madrid Sign Ujfalusi
www.goal.com

Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Fiorentina defender Tomas Ujfalusi on a Bosman transfer.The Czech Republic international had been strongly expected to sign for Atletico after revealing a few days ago that he was leaving Italy to move to Spain. The 30-year-old has now officially signed a three year-contract with the Rojiblancos until 2011.

Ujfalusi joined Fiorentina from Hamburg in 2004, following that summer’s European Championships in Portugal. The 30-year-old had four excellent seasons at the Stadio Franchi, where he was one of the squad’s most influential players.

He made 149 appearances for the Viola, and yesterday the club issued a message of thanks for the service he gave.

“Sunday was Ujfalusi’s last game in a Fiorentina shirt and the club would like to remember the valuable contribution that this extraordinary player and great man has made over these four years,â€

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Viola agree Melo deal
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_ ... ay21q.html – Wednesday 21 May, 2008

Fiorentina have completed a deal for Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo, while Tomas Ujfalusi pens a contract with Atletico Madrid. The Viola will be looking to galvanise their squad after securing a place in next season’s Champions League and are expected to bring in six or seven new faces this summer.

The first of those is Melo, who will arrive from Almeria as soon as he agrees personal terms. Melo's departure was announced by the Spaniards’ website today and he is due to travel to Florence before the end of the week to sign on the dotted line.

The 24-year-old is seen as a great prospect for the future and is set to receive a four-year contract in a deal that is expected to cost the Tuscans £12m in total.

Meanwhile, Czech international defender Ujfalusi [pictured], who left Fiorentina when his contract expired at the end of the season, has agreed a contract at Atletico Madrid until 2011. The 23-year-old will meet up with his new colleagues as soon as his Euro 2008 adventure ends.

[Bagg10]

[Messinterista]

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[Messinterista]

hehe lol yea why not milano? i suppose...what happened to that guy who was @ the old goal community when we were all there. forgot his name but he was a huge fiorentina fan. actually wasnt his username fiorentinafan?

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Viola is for…
Fiorentina’s fourth place finish has got James Horncastle all nostalgic for the good old days at the Artemio Franchi

Football Italia – Friday 23 May, 2008

Osvaldo wheeled away as the net bulged and ran under the Curva to unveil ‘la mitraglia’ – the machine gun – a celebration of a bygone era that brought back memories of Fiorentina’s legendary hitman Gabriel Batistuta. The 22-year-old of Argentine descent, had just scored the Viola’s winner in Torino, a sublime bicycle kick deserving of applause and the Champions League place it secured.

Fiorentina haven’t graced Europe’s premiere club competition since 2000, their 3-3 draw against Bordeaux marked the end of their Champions League adventure and the beginning of an unbelievable tumble into Serie C2 that left their fans in a purple daze. Six years ago Fiorentina didn’t exist, they had no name, were abandoned by players and stripped of an illustrious 80-year history. The Gigliati’s two Scudetti, six Coppa Italias, and Cup-Winners Cup were gone, taken away by the sporting justices.

This makes the job done by Diego and Andrea Della Valle all the more remarkable. The family that bought Florentia Viola in 2002, who nurtured the club to good health and gave it back its identity, deserve a hell of a lot of credit for taking such a risk. They have made Fiorentina – an outfit renowned for its profligacy and largesse under the Cecchi Gori dynasty – into a model club.

A friend of mine who works for the Italian FA told me, in no uncertain terms, that Fiorentina are the best-run club in Italy – and it shows. While the Italian Press liken their practices to Arsenal, I believe the Viola have developed their own unique style. Their director of sport, Pantaleo Corvino, scours Europe and South America for fresh talent, but is equally enthusiastic about giving young Italians a chance in stark contrast to Europe’s other top clubs.

Fiorentina’s first team often features six players who could start for the Azzurri, and successfully blends the old with the new – Christian Vieri’s stint at the club has helped Giampaolo Pazzini as Fabio Liverani’s has Riccardo Montolivo.

This makeup clearly lent itself well to the Viola’s UEFA campaign, which ended somewhat unfortunately in the semi-finals, but that experience will stand them in excellent stead in next year’s Champions League, as will the sensible purchases of World Cup winners Andrea Barzagli and Alberto Gilardino. The Viola, in my opinion, are the best in the transfer market, they, unlike Juventus and Milan – see Amauri – buy players they need and have a shrewd wage structure.

But above all, I have been impressed by the values inculcated by Cesare Prandelli – the best Coach in the League – exemplified in the ‘Terzo Tempo’, the Fiorentina inspired fair-play initiative. The Viola’s honesty and endeavour this season has been as refreshing and satisfying as their victories at Juventus and Everton. They are my team of the season.

[oily]

i thought i said it already.. Im a big fan of prandelli.. losing his wife, picking himself up, and pushing his team to finish fourth.. i like him almost as much as i do rafa..

plus he was an ex juve player ;p so thats a bonus

forza prandelli ... forza fio

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Want to become the Fiorentina mod...?

[oily]

yes oh plz plz plz..

hehe

[Messinterista]

hahaha, lol can i be a mod?? pretty please?

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