Fiorentina file: Torino 4 Fiorentina 0

The Italian incubo means “nightmare” and crollo “collapse” or “meltdown”.  

Both words are apt to describe Fiorentina’s defeat yesterday in the rearranged match at Torino.

Fiorentina fielded a strong team with Italian international Castrovili alongside Arsenal loanee Lucas Torreira in midfield.

Torino’s squad had been depleted by Covid. It should have been closer.

All eyes were on centre forward Dusan Vlahavic who is rumoured to be the subject of a $100m bid in the January window.

With only 18 months left on his contract, the Viola would like to cash in but the player would prefer to move in the summer.

I think Arsenal will be the club.

Having lost Roberto Baggio, Federico Bertoleschi and Federico Chiesa to the hated Juve, I cannot see Vlahavic following them and the big money is now in the Premiership.

Fiorentina, as part of the Arsenal deal, could take Torreira permanently. Arsenal, unlike Newcastle, could achieve the Champions League and are a London club.

The million lire question is “Is Vlahavic good enough?”

In the match yesterday he did little, but he did break free from his marker once to create space and hit a shot on the turn which the Torino keeper saved.

Only Ronaldo scored more goals in 2021 and he is young and good in the air.

But any transfer is a risk.

Will the price tag affect his form? Will he settle abroad? Will he be accepted in the dressing room? Can he adapt to the coach/manger’s style of play?

Watch this space