Fiorentina vs Napoli Match Preview
Mihajlovic takes over the reins at Fiorentina from Prandelli, who now coaches the national team. Fiorentina have a very talented side, but they lack that cynicism in grinding out victories. Last year they finished mid-table in no small part due to their naivete. They have Gilardino in attack while Marchionni and Vargas provide the midfield spark. In Frey they have a very capable keeper, and even with the departure of Kjaer, a defence consisting of Pasqual and De Silvestri is hardly second-rate.
Napoli bought Edison Cavani from Palermo, a coup that emphatically signaled their intent. The Uruguayan's arrival will soften the blow of Quagriella's imminent departure to Juve.
Both these sides want to play in the Champions League, making this tie intriguing. A 1-0 win for Napoli should be the result.
Fiorentina vs Napoli Match Report
Fiorentina and Napoli played out a controversial 1-1 draw at the Stadio Franchi in Florence. Edison Cavani, Napoli's star signing of the summer, put his side in front in just the 7th minute when he headed home a Dossena cross. However, replays suggested that the ball did not cross the line.
Lavezzi could have made it 2-0 for Napoli, but his shot from a Cavani pass grazed the crossbar. Sebastian Frey was the busier of the two goalkeepers as he parried a Hamsik shot that threatened to go in at the far post.
Fiorentina finally equalized in the 49th minute, when Alberto Gilardino set up the ball for D'Agostino who thumped home a shot from the edge of the area.
There were two red cards handed out as well. The first went to Fiorentina's Vargas who squared off aggressively against Hugo Campagnaro, and the second went to Napoli's Manuele Blasi for a terrible challenge on Marchionni. That challenge resulted in a second yellow for Blasi, a player who is notorious for his poor tackles.
The dismissals of both Vargas and Marchionni encapsulated the spirit in which the game was played. Indeed, the opening 'goal' set the ugly tone for the rest of the game.
- Hasan Saiyid
