Fiorentina vs Udinese

[Jager]

Anything could happen in this match. Both of Udinese’s opening fixtures have resulted in 1-0 victories, while Fiorentina’s two games have seen a total of seven goals between them. One thing the two sides’ matches share though is that all four have been close games. While the Viola may have provided more flair and excitement, no one can argue with the Bianconeri’s two wins in two games.

Fiorentina’s Stefano Fiore will be one to watch as he returns to the club where he made his Azzurri breakthrough. Many people will also be monitoring the midfield for the battle of the new boys. Christian Obodo and Sulley Muntari have made an impressive start to the season – with the latter scoring both of Udinese’s goals – but the combative duo of Cristian Brocchi and Marco Donadel will be hoping their more physical style can dominate that crucial area of the pitch.

As far as the team news goes, everyone is looking at the two strike forces. After his excellent performance against Messina, Valeri Bojinov retains his place partnering Luca Toni. The pair combined well last week with Toni continuing last season’s great form.

For the Bianconeri, David Di Michele could be relegated back to the bench after a poor performance against Roma. Antonio Di Natale and Vincenzo Iaquinta should get the nod from Serse Cosmi but their partnership may not last unless they start to score.



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Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Ujfalusi, Di Loreto, Dainelli, Pancaro; Fiore, Brocchi, Donadel, Jorgensen; Bojinov, Toni

Udinese (probable): De Sanctis; Juarez, Natali, Felipe; D Zenoni, Vidigal, Obodo, Muntari, Candela; Di Natale, Iaquinta

This is without a doubt the game of the week for me. Two teams with hot strikers, and two teams hoping to challenge the big boys.

[Yoong]

Isn't Pinzi fit to play by now? He made a substitute appearance in the midweek, and I predict Vidigal is goin' to make way for him. As for Di Michele, class will tell so he'd better stay on the bench until his form is recovered.

I really hope this will be a draw, a high scoring draw of course!

[Jager]

I can not lie, I'm going with Fiorentina as they are the home club. I still think they have the better offense, however their defense is a bit weaker.

[Yoong]

But Udinese is the more balance team. Strong at the back & consistent in the midfield. They rely on counterattack but it doesn't mean Iaquinta and Di Natale are none better than Toni and Bojinov.

If midfield is what it takes to win this game, I bet Udinese has the edge. But home advantage neutralises it.

[Jager]

Originally Posted by Yoong

But Udinese is the more balance team. Strong at the back & consistent in the midfield. They rely on counterattack but it doesn't mean Iaquinta and Di Natale are none better than Toni and Bojinov.

If midfield is what it takes to win this game, I bet Udinese has the edge. But home advantage neutralises it.

No arguement here. Udinese are the better team, no doubt in my mind. However I think Fiorentina can score, and they are playing at home. This is reason why it is such a great match.

[calciofan]

SERIE A: WEEK 3 RESULT

FIORENTINA 4 - 2 UDINESE
0-1: Sulley Muntari 28
1-1: Stefano Fiore 39
2-1: Luca Toni 43
3-1: Marco Donadel 79
4-1: Luca Toni 86
4-2: Vincenzo Iaquinta (pen) 90

Looks like Viola fans will have entertainment this season! Good starts for the summer signings too - Stefano Fiore and Luca Toni.

[Yoong]

I'm wrong at my prediction of the score, at least I'm right that Pinzi started in first XI and it's a high scoring match.

[Jager]

Angry Toni turns on Cosmi Sunday 18 September, 2005

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Luca Toni and Serse Cosmi had a touchline row today and it continued through the Press with scathing comments from both men.

“Referees should study the way Toni plays and learn how to deal with his little tricks,” noted the Udinese boss after their 4-2 defeat away to Fiorentina. Cosmi was sent off for dissent after an incident that was sparked by an argument with Toni and the striker responded.


“I have a physical style of play that sometimes involves contact, but that’s a perfectly normal part of the game. I get fouled a lot and referees also give many free kicks against me. I don’t think it right that a Coach pays more attention to the work of the referee than he does his own team.”


It was a controversial encounter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, as Udinese saw a Vincenzo Iaquinta goal very harshly disallowed for a push on Dario Dainelli when the scoreline was still 2-1.


“I expect that Cosmi’s comments were only sparked by his tension at the outcome of the match, but I really don’t know what else could have prompted him to make those statements.”


Toni is the on form striker in Italy at the moment and also took the opportunity to turn on his former club Palermo.


“President Maurizio Zamparini said that I didn’t love the club, yet I only missed two or three games in two years because I was suspended and tried to play even when I wasn’t fully fit. I scored 50 goals in two seasons and took the side from Serie B to the UEFA Cup. I think I proved how much I cared about Palermo.”


Zamparini at first claimed that Toni was not for sale, then sanctioned the £7m move to Fiorentina only weeks later, stating that he had requested an unreasonable wage increase.


“I haven’t said anything since leaving, but it’s time I point out that some figures have been totally fabricated,” continued a furious Toni. “I never earned £2m per season at Palermo and I hope nobody else was taking that wage in my place. Zamparini doesn’t even know what’s happening at his own club, so he has no right to discuss how we work at Fiorentina. It’s a shame that people want to defend themselves from criticism about my sale by spreading lies.”

Seemed like a spirited affair, I'm sad I missed it. I hope I can download it.