Fiorentina file

In the football section of the Rust Alan, Ivan, Michel and I are forever emailing our aspirations for the season. Alan is a typical football pessimist and thinks Fulham will not maintain their form of last season, Ivan is looking forward to Premier football but worried that poor results could cost Chris Hughton his job, Michel’s OGC Nice have started with two defeats but victory over Ajax in the Europa League only to draw Napoli, the first leg is tomorrow.

I am the most despondent as the summer has been one revolving door of players leaving la Viola. Midfielder Matias Vecino has gone to Inter, whom we play on Sunday; strongman defender Gonzalo has left, Borja Valero the heartbeat of the side too and – worst of all – Federico Bernardeschi to Juventus.

Just when we could take no more we made a brilliant signing in acquiring Marco Benassi from Torino, a real leader and Michel speaks well of Valentin Esseyric acquired from OGC Nice.

I do not suppose you have heard of another of our signings Jordan Veretout from Aston Villa. Don’t worry, most Villa fans have not either. I just hope there is a Chinese corporation out here seeking to buy a famous old Italian football club that has fallen on hard times.