Fiorentina file

Last night Fiorentina reached the final of the Italian Cup after beating Udinese 2-0. We will play the winners of Roma and Napoli. Although your FA cup has declined in status it does have more tradition than ours, which I would compare to the League Cup. It is also seeded.

Fiorentina had to overcome a 2-1 deficit from the 1st leg and although we did, it was a disappointing performance. Udinese really deserved at least one goal which would have taken the tie to extra time. The Cup this year has produced some marvellous goals and this was no exception. Joaquin’s back-header was met by a powerful volley by Pasqual, the Fiorentina skipper. The second goal by Caudrado was even better. He went on one of his runs and chose to shoot from distance. He hit the ball so hard that the Udinese keeper was comprehensively beaten at his near post. Being Fiorentina, we could not close the game out. Neto in goal had to produce some important saves as we sat back.

We have lacked both our strikers but Mario Gomez was back on the bench and may feature against Inter on Saturday. There is some hope that Rossi will play in the final on May 3rd.

It’s been so far a successful season for La Viola as we chase Benitez’s Napoli for the 3rd Champions league place. Matra has come in on loan as striker and we have acquired Diakete from Sunderland and Andersen from Manchester United. Premier fans will recognise Aquilani (Liverpool) Borja Valero (WBA) , Pizzarro (Manchester City). All of these  are doing better than in the Premier, which is kind of strange. Perhaps Serie A is played at less pace, or they are more certain of starting place, or southern European or American players adapt better to the life style in Italy.