Preview: Roma vs Fiorentina
Written by Olugbenga Olonade
Jose Mourinho returns to the Italian Serie A for the first time since 2010, the Portuguese manager will lead Roma out at the Stadio Olimpico as they welcome a Fiorentina side that will be hoping to perform better than they did last term.
The Giallorossi were completely underwhelming last season, only managing to secure a Conference League place on the last matchday. The squad was affected by the absence of star player, Nicolo Zaniolo, while administrative issues, as well as overall poor performances ultimately led to the sack of former manager, Paulo Fonseca.
Fiorentina’s instability on the pitch was inevitably as a result of poor management. The club had fired Giuseppe Iachini about two month into the season, only to bring the Italian manager back to the club four months later, after his replacement, Cesare Prandelli, quit his role for personal reasons. The club has gone on to appoint former Spezia boss, Vincenzo Italiano as they hope to begin a new project this season.
Style of Play
Jose Mourinho’s teams are usually characterized by their defensive solidity before anything else. In Chris Smalling, Marash Kumbulla, Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibanez, Mourinho has a decent defensive core to work with. The presence of Jordan Veretout, Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini should allow the Portuguese to tinker with the 4-3-3 formation , however, the 4-2-3-1 will likely be his go-to system as it should allow him bring out the best in his attacking options which includes Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Nicolo Zaniolo, Stephan El Shaarawy, Borja Mayoral, Eldor Shomurodov and the newly signed Tammy Abraham.
Roma are expected to play on the counter, ceding possession to their opponents whilst trying to take advantage of spaces left behind by playing on fast breaks.
Italiano’s Spezia were one of the teams to watch last season. Their fluid system and ability to break down opponents was a joy to watch even though they looked susceptible in defence at times. At Fiorentina, with much more quality than the one he had at Spezia, a lot of the shortcomings shown at Spezia are expected to be eliminated.
Italiano often plays a 4-3-3 formation with inverted forwards on the wings. This allows his wingers to cut in and maintain a narrow shape whilst allowing the full backs to push higher to provide the necessary width. Jose Callejon and Ricardo Sottil could flank Dusan Vlahovic in attack with Sofyan Amrabat, Gaetano Castrovilli and possibly Giacomo Bonaventura or Erick Pulgar providing support from midfield.
The presence of full backs, Cristiano Biraghi and Lorenzo Venuti or Lucas Martinez Quarta will be vital to the team’s success.
Recent Form
Jose Mourinho’s reign as Roma manager started with three victories in as many preseason games, two draws and a loss were registered in the five games that followed, while the team’s first competitive game against Trabzonspor in the UEFA Conference League qualification fixture ended in a 2-1 win.
Fiorentina have been impeccable in preseason going by their results. Huge wins against SV Ostermunchen, Levico Terme and Virtus Verona followed by a penalty shootout win over Espanyol gave them the confidence going into their Coppa Italia game against Cosenza. A comfortable 4-0 victory was the perfect way to set the ball rolling in the new season.
Players To Watch
Nicolo Zaniolo – The young Italian has a lot to prove after coming back from two ligament injuries. he remains Roma’s best player and Jose Mourinho will rely on him heavily for goals and assists.
Dusan Vlahovic – Fiorentina will need to be very strong-willed if they are to hold on to Vlahovic this summer. The Serb will be looking to build on the twenty one goals that he scored last season if he remains at the Artemio Franchi this season.
Injuries and Absences
Leonardo Spinazzola will be out for a lengthy period while Chris Smalling also suffered a thigh injury in training this week.
Sofyan Amrabat is expected to miss out for Fiorentina as he’s out with pubalgia.
Verdict
Should be a very close game and it could end in a draw or a very close win for Roma.
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