ANALYSIS: How can Paulo Sousa integrate Fiorentina’s new signings?
Supporters hit out at owners Andrea and Diego Della Valle, accusing them both of being too ‘stingy’ when it comes to spend big money on important players who can helped the team to qualify for Champions League.
There are still chances of seeing La Viola finishing third though, even in Roma seem to be back on track with Luciano Spalletti in charge of the Capitolines.
Despite criticisms, by the way, Paulo Sousa can rely on five new players after the winter transfer window: let’s see how they can integrate in the team under the Portuguese manager.
TINO COSTA – The former Genoa midfielder struggled with injuries during his on-year spell at the Marassi, but was Paulo Sousa’s first option to strengthen the midfield. He can replace injured Milan Badelj playing as holding midfielder next to Matias Vecino, but he can also play in a more offensive role. Paulo Sousa tried him out as a replacement of Josip Ilicic in his first two games with the Tuscans.
MAURO ZARATE – Joined the Franchi from West Ham on a permanent deal after that Giuseppe Rossi had signed with Levante. He has two appearances as he came off the bench against Torino, while he started versus Genoa. His latest performance as support striker close to Khouma Babacar was definitely not unforgettable, in turn Paulo Sousa is expected to deploy him a bit behind the sole striker from the next games. Like Tino Costa, he is eligible to play in Europa League.
CRISTIAN TELLO - Pacy wide player who can play down both flanks as offensive winger. He has already played an European competition with Porto, so he will be mainly deployed to replace regular starters like Josip Ilicic or Federico Bernardeschi in league games.
PANAGIOTIS KONE – He can play almost everywhere in the midfield. The only trouble seems to be his physical condition. A sports hernia has prevented him from playing on a regular basis at Udinese. The former Bologna man can only play in Serie A as he was not included in the list of eligible players for Europa League.
YOHAN BENALOUANE – He played only nine games with Leicester before joining the Franchi on loan with option to buy. Having already played with Cesena, Parma and Atalanta in Italy, it is beyond doubt that he has all the Serie A experience needed to settle in well in Florence. By the way, his level seems to be not much higher than the ones of Roncaglia and Tomovic. During his previous experiences with Serie A clubs he had picked 36 yellow cards and three reds in 95 games.
Lorenzo Bettoni @lorebetto, adapted from an article by David Fabbri
