Things are really heating up in the run-up to Christmas across Europe's top leagues, with Inter reclaiming top spot in Serie A, Lens surprisingly leading the way in Ligue 1 and Barcelona continuing to pile pressure on Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid. Over in Germany, though, it seems that nobody is really capable of dethroning Bayern Munich, but Premier League leaders Arsenal are looking more and more nervous with each passing week.
With Christmas approaching, there are still two winless teams in Europe's 'Big 5' leagues. That one of them is Wolves is arguably unsurprising. The Fosun International-owned Premier League club sold two of their best players during the summer and squandered the proceeds on sub-standard signings. However, the fact that Fiorentina have yet to win a single game in Serie A is shocking.
We explore how private equity could play the role of a modern Medici, fueling Fiorentina’s sporting and commercial renaissance. With a loyal fanbase, a world-class academy, and Florence’s cultural power as its canvas, La Viola may be poised to paint a new masterpiece on football’s European stage.
Fiorentina have been forced to implement urgent security measures and involve local authorities after players, staff and their families received threats from sections of their own supporters. The alarming situation erupted in the wake of the club’s latest defeat, which leaves them bottom of Serie A and still without a win this season, deepening the crisis in Tuscany.
Edin Dzeko has delivered a scathing assessment of Fiorentina's current form, admitting they are "playing like sh*t" after a shock 1-0 defeat to AEK Athens in the UEFA Conference League. However, the veteran striker also blasted the club's fans for booing the struggling team, urging them to provide support instead of adding to the pressure.
Italian side Fiorentina have announced the sacking of Stefano Pioli as head coach. The decision comes amid a dismal 10-game winless run that has left the club rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table. Pioli joined Fiorentina following successful spells with AC Milan and Al-Nassr, having won the Scudetto with the Rossoneri.
Serie A outfit Fiorentina are set to part ways with Italian head coach Stefano Pioli after their defeat to Lecce. The Viola are currently navigating profiles who could be potential replacements for Pioli and are assessing the financial impact of removing their head coach.
Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea has admitted he feared a 6-0 loss before VAR intervened in his club's dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna in Serie A. The goalkeeper dismissed pressure as "an excuse" as La Viola remain winless in the relegation zone, relying on two late penalties to salvage a point against their 10-man opponents.
A drama erupted at San Siro as VAR once again took centre stage in AC Milan’s 2–1 win over Fiorentina. A late, controversial penalty awarded to Milan after Santiago Gimenez went down softly in the box ignited fury from Fiorentina’s camp. Sporting director Daniele Prade called the officiating “scandalous,” while manager Stefano Pioli accused VAR of “encouraging simulation,” reigniting the debate on fairness and football’s integrity.
Rafael Leao has detailed the supportive welcome he received from new teammate Luka Modric after his match-winning brace sent AC Milan to the top of Serie A. The Portuguese star, who ended a long goal drought at the San Siro against Fiorentina, is eager to learn from the former Real Madrid icon and propel the Rossoneri forward to make the most out of his career.
Cesc Fabregas’ Como completed a remarkable turnaround on Sunday, coming from 1-0 down to secure a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina. After the match, the Spanish coach gathered his players in a huddle, urging them to take pride in their performance, trust one another, play with courage and continue forging a strong team identity as they grow together in Serie A.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has hailed David de Gea's remarkable comeback at Fiorentina. Reina admitted he did not expect the ex-Manchester United star to return with such confidence and leadership after a full year out of the sport, labelling his compatriot as 'exceptional' and the club's most decisive player last season.
Describing Roberto Baggio to those who did not experience him is a sort of generational challenge, an arduous attempt at conveying something that is too difficult to explain in words. But we will try - because Roberto Baggio was, especially for Italians, a symbol, a standard-bearer, an icon and an emotion.
Rasmus Hojlund marked his Napoli debut in style as the Manchester United flop scored in a 3-1 Serie A victory over Fiorentina, before expressing his delight at joining what he described as an “incredible” team. The Denmark striker joined on loan with a £38 million obligation to buy and wasted no time in making an impact for Antonio Conte’s side.
Manchester United fans couldn't believe that Rasmus Hojlund scored on his Napoli debut against Fiorentina after his Old Trafford exit. Antonio Conte pushed hard to bring Hojlund back to Serie A, securing a deal that could become permanent for £38 million ($51m) if the Italian champions secure Champions League football next season. Early signs suggest that wager could prove to be a masterstroke.
Andre Onana has been brutally told that his "time is up" at Manchester United after two inconsistent seasons between the sticks. Amid the uncertainty surrounding Onana's future, Ruben Amorim has been urged to target former Red Devils shot-stopper David De Gea, who returned to Old Trafford with Fiorentina for a pre-season clash last weekend.