Although they have returned from their extended holidays following the Copa America, do not expect to see two out of Barcelona's fearsome "MSN" attack taking part in today's game in Florence. Lionel Messi and Neymar will both wait to make their first appearance this season in a Blaugrana kit, and other absentees from their final International Champions Cup match will include Messi's Argentinian colleague Javier Mascherano and Brazilian defender Dani Alves.
First-choice keeper Claudio Bravo is still enjoying his break following Chile's surprise win at this summer's Copa America, so German international Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, who was in goal during their recent 3-1 Champions League triumph over Juventus will again be handed the goalkeeping responsibilities. Two of their new signings - Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan - will not feature, as they cannot play for the club until January 1, 2016 due to a transfer ban imposed on the two-time Treble winners.
And unfortunately for Luis Enrique, now in his second season with the Spanish powerhouse, he will not be able to call on Brazilian defender Douglas as he suffered a hamstring injury during their loss to Chelsea and will be out for about eight weeks. However, given that this is just pre-season, the main focus is on getting his players back to full fitness as they seek to enjoy yet another successful season. As such, he could again use some of Barca's reserve and youth players, with young stars such as Munir El-Haddadi, Sergi Samper, and Alen Halilovic all having a chance to earn some playing experience with the senior squad.
As for the hosts Fiorentina, they will be keen on testing themselves against one of Europe's best sides. The Viola, who finished fourth in Serie A and made it to the semi-finals of the Europa League, have undergone some changes this summer. Coach Vincenzo Montella was replaced by Paulo Sousa, and striker Mario Gomez has departed for Turkish outfit Beşiktaş. Under the Portuguese tactician, who won two Champions League titles back-to-back as a player with Juventus and Dortmund, the Gigliati have experienced mixed results in the ICC thus far. Interestingly, they will have taken on the winners of four leagues - Ligue 1, Primeira Liga, La Liga, and the Premier League - by the time their tournament comes to a conclusion.
They were no match for PSG, who overpowered them 4-2, but they stood their ground and held their nerve to edge out Benfica 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time. With Chelsea coming up next, they will surely be keen on earning a positive result against Barcelona at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Encouraging for Viola fans is the return of striker Giuseppe Rossi after a long-term injury lay-off and they will hope that the 28-year-old American-born Italian international will be able to stay fit over the course of this season. Slovenian international Josip Ilicic is another Sousa will be counting on to potentially cause trouble for Barcelona's defense due to his pace, dribbling ability, and versatility.
Up next for Barcelona will be more Italian opposition as they will face last season's Serie A runners up Roma to contest the Joan Gamper trophy, and as noted, Fiorentina will take on the Blues in their final ICC match. Given that both teams saw their last games have to go to penalties, will this match between Fiorentina and Barcelona be decided in regulation time?
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