In the sea of opinions, and without prejudice to the fact that the last word must go to Raffaele Palladino, it seems that at least in the middle of the pitch there is an embarrassment of choice for the Viola coach. And not just because of the (raised) expectations of the coach’s performance. Because whether Palladino chooses the original three-man defence, or goes back to the choices put into practice during the interval of the match against Lazio, it is always the performers who determine, at least more than the formation. So much so that judging by Gudmundsson’s impact last Sunday, we have to believe that the Icelandic’s availability has raised the general level of quality regardless of the layout on the pitch.
Colpani halfway between midfield and attacking midfield – In attack, however, it is reasonable to expect the presence of the former Genoa player from the first minute, and if the other certainty of a starting shirt is Kean, Colpani is still the candidate as the third offensive man. Also because, in addition to some signs of recovery shown on Sunday against Lazio, Colpani’s characteristics would also guarantee an extra presence in midfield, i.e. by moving the range of action back by a few meters and giving the Viola one more man compared to the Empoli destined to side with a mirror image 3421.
Two to replace Mandragora – Certainly the last few days have limited Mandragora’s availability, forced to often train separately, and with a view to his replacement Richardson and Adli hope to find new space. If Cataldi, of the group of midfielders, remains the most employed, Bove could thus be left out of the starting lineup in favor of the Moroccan, however ahead of the former Milan player in the ballot. With the certainty that it is essential to understand which structure the defense is best in but also who will have to contain the Azzurri in tomorrow’s midfield match.
The opinion of journalist Angelo Giorgetti on Empoli-Fiorentina on Sunday at 6pm:
“It will be a new match, but the previous one told us some new things: the change of formation in the second half and a gentleman who comes from Iceland and makes the difference.
It was a crossroads match, if it had gone badly we would have entered an unpleasant situation. Thanks to the victory against Lazio, Fiorentina prepared more calmly. Now it remains to be seen what Palladino will do: whether he will persevere with the three-man defense or move to four with the changes that could concern Biraghi himself.
Conte also changed from three to four at Napoli, things can change in progress.
Insisting with a structure that adds fragility can be a path, but it takes a lot of courage to follow it especially if you lack the interpreters to do so.”