View from the Opposition: Fiorentina

Stefano Rossi is a journalist for RTV38, broadcasting news and opinions about Fiorentina across the central part of Italy.

We spoke to Stefano on the eve of the new season: with Fiorentina set to travel to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday (kick-off: 20:45 CEST) to formally start the 2021-22 Serie A campaign.

Roma began their competitive schedule with a win over Trabzonspor on Thursday night, while La Viola beat Cosenza 4-0 in their opening Coppa Italia match.

With both sides looking to improve on last season's league performances, however, Sunday promises to be an important game for both...

Why do you think the parting of ways with Franck Ribery could turn out to be a positive for Fiorentina?

"In some of its toughest moments, Fiorentina really depended on him - looking too much to him as that star player who could resolve all their problems. Now that safety net has been taken away a bit."

How are Fiorentina looking heading into the first game of Serie A?

"With the target of doing a bit better than they managed last season - even if the board haven't set that as a specific target. So, given that, I think even doing a bit better doesn't necessarily mean that the team is targetting European qualification."

So, avoiding the relegation battle would be enough?

"Nobody would ever admit that, because Fiorentina have said that for the last two seasons in a row, but I think so."

Give us an update on some of the new signings.

"Really there has been one: Nico Gonzalez. The most expensive signing in the club's history.

"He's joining in one of the toughest moments in the last 20 years for the club, the collapse apart. If you think about it really it doesn't make much sense: a club that has been fighting just to stay up the last few seasons has found a way to buy a player that just won the Copa America.

"It's the sort of deal that shows the desire the club has to try and build something special - but those sort of deals are few and far between and this one hasn't been followed up in the market.

"As far as Gonzalez goes, he's clearly a very good player. We all saw that in the game against Cosenza. For the national team he generally plays in the same role as Angel Di Maria - I don't think much more needs to be said."

How will Fiorentina play under Vincenzo Italiano?

"Finally, the team will play for a coach that has very clear ideas about the game. He wants to instill a very aggressive style of football, one heavily dependent on physical fitness with lots of pressing and box-to-box running from the midfielders. But the wide players are also key to his play, both defensively and offensively."

What do you make of the Roma side that is taking shape after the signing of Tammy Abraham?

"Often here in Italy we like to make comparisons between the American ownerships [which both Fiorentina and Roma have]. The Friedkins do not talk - they let the actions speak for themselves. They have shown that, by hiring Mourinho and by purchasing the sort of players that are in line with the bigger ambitions of the club.

"The squad has plenty of experienced players that every already knows - but in Florence I think we are all curious just to see what influence Mourinho has on the group."

Which player do you think Fiorentina fans would love to steal from Roma?

"[Leonardo] Spinazzola would be absolutely perfect. When Juventus went after Federico Chiesa - and this was under the old president - Spinazzola was one of the players mentioned as part of a possible swap deal.

"Among those who will play on Sunday, though, I would probably say Lorenzo Pellegrini. A Roman and a Roma fan; he's come through the system at the club and now he's the captain. We have never had a player like that here."

And finally then, what's your prediction for Sunday?

"I think it will be a draw. Roma might well end up feeling the effects of their game in the Conference League. And Fiorentina have nothing to lose and everything to go for."