Final result: Fiorentina – Cagliari 1-0
FLORENTINA (edited by Dimitri Conti)
De Gea 6 – Surprised by a cross shot from Zappa, Makoumbou almost takes advantage but pardons him. The only real highlight of an otherwise peaceful match.
Dodo 6.5 – Inexhaustible, to measure his current form it is no longer enough to even count the kilometers he clocks up on the pitch. Also because you would break an instrument.
Comuzzo 6.5 – He is no longer a revelation or even a surprise, but simply the class of 2005 with the greatest impact on the Italian top league.
Ranieri 6.5 – Armband, he is – despite being among the least experienced due to his age – the point of reference for the Giglia defense. Comuzzo’s every reaction bears witness to this.
Gosens 6 – Cagliari’s right-wing forces him to work a lot in the non-possession phase, the one he prefers least. Zortea undermines him, but holds on.
Cataldi 7 – Among those most attached to Bove, the celebration dedicated to his teammate is not surprising but thrilling. Also very punctual in his defensive coverage work.
Adli 6.5 – More surveyor than painter, he is the beating heart of practically every Viola possession. A few small errors scattered but how much phosphorus pours into the cause.
From 67′ Richardson 6 – He doesn’t make mistakes, keeping his guard high in the center of the field. Positive in non-possession phase.
Ikone 5.5 – Great opportunity to instill doubts in Palladino’s mind, considering Colpani’s form. And instead after less than an hour the former Monza player is back.
From 56′ Colpani 5.5 – In his coach’s ideas it should help restart with greater precision, however the plan will remain on paper.
Beltran 6.5 – Constantly hunting for livable spaces in which he can express himself, he wanders in every area of the camp. In the right place at the right time for the assist to Cataldi.
From 83′ Parisi sv.
Thin 6 – First on the pitch to kick on goal, when he accelerates he creates problems for Cagliari. He does it with excellent frequency until the interval, less so in the second half.
From 67′ Gudmundsson 6 – It doesn’t have a lot of time at its disposal and it enters a complicated phase, but when it turns on it gives beautiful flashes.
Kouame 6 – Surprisingly, it is he and not Kean who centrally leads the attack. It’s not the same thing and you can see it, but it makes up for the technical limitations with an old-fashioned generosity.
From 56′ Kean 5.5 – Absent against prediction in the starting eleven, perhaps he needs rest. Or perhaps he wasn’t there in his head, as proven by the bad takeover.
Raffaele Palladino 7 – A big surprise when the lineups were revealed, with Kean on the bench and Kouame in his place. He decides to send Colpani to the field at least initially and focuses on Ikone. But above all on a compact and hungry team, which started strong and also overcame an initial reaction from Cagliari by finishing above at the break. In the second half he brings in the big players kept out (Kean, Colpani, Gudmundsson) and experiences a painful end for a success that some would define as cheerful. Half a point more for reaching the 1960 record.
CAGLIARI (edited by Marco Pieracci)
Sherri 6 – He is not surprised by Adli’s cut corner, safe from Sottil’s shot from outside. Cataldi puts it where he can’t reach.
Hoe 6 – Sottil scoots with not exactly friendly intentions but in the end it’s more smoke than fire. It forces him to cut towards the center.
Mine 6 – Recognizable leader of the department, he exudes charisma in every duel. Try to make a contribution in the opponent’s half of the field too.
Luperto 6.5 – He guards the penalty area, with positional sense and Olympic calm in every situation: he never lets Kouame and Kean turn.
Obert 6 – He declines the role of left back in his own way, that is, blocked with central aptitudes. Blocking Ikone isn’t that difficult.
From 57′ Luvumbo 6 – It brings some electricity, even if it collects little.
Marine 5.5 – Adli and Cataldi’s dribbling often sends him out of control, and when he finds himself having to manage, the Viola’s aggression suffers.
From 73′ After 6 – Enter with the right attitude.
Makoumbou 5 – He misses a penalty kick on the move, unable to block Adli’s path. And he struggles to read Beltran’s movements.
From 83′ Pavoletti sv
Zortea 6.5 – Nice duel with Gosens: he pushes to get to the back and puts in crosses repeatedly. The best actions start from that side.
From 73′ Happy 6 – He keeps the pace high.
Purple 5 – Attacking midfielder between the lines, looking for the right idea to trigger Piccoli. He can’t find the right place to make an impact.
From 46′ Gaetano 5 – Shy, he doesn’t determine how he could: a header to the side and little else.
Augello 6 – Nicola’s tactical move: he raises his range of action to counter Dodo’s verve, limits the Brazilian and puts himself forward well.
Small 5 – Comuzzo and Ranieri locked in the grip, the playable balls can be counted on the fingers of one hand: the only flicker was thwarted by De Gea.
Davide Nicola 5.5 – The initial conservative choice doesn’t pay off, he tries to give a shock with the entry of Luvumbo but, despite the many crosses from the flanks, De Gea doesn’t have to make significant saves to keep a clean sheet.