Ragazzi, non mollare!

It sounds better when 40,000 sing it, as we'll hear on Thursday...

And for Martino!

Garrisca al vento il labaro viola,
sui campi della sfida e del valore
una speranza viva ci consola
abbiamo undici atleti ed un solo cuore!

Rit.: O Fiorentina, di ogni squadra ti vogliam regina
O Fiorentina, combatti ovunque ardita e con valor
nell'ora di sconforto o di vittoria
ricorda che del calcio hai tu la storia!

Maglia viola lotta con vigore
per esser di Firenze vanto e gloria
sul tuo vessillo scrivi Forza e Cuore
e nostra sarà sempre la vittoria!

Rit.: O Fiorentina (...)

Forza Fiorentina!
Alé Alé Viola!

Sogno un cielo VIOLA!

We Viola men know that our dates with destiny are few and far between. While others dine regularly at the elite European footballing table, we are content with more humble fare. We are more "pasta e fagioli" than "spaghetti al tartufo".

But every so often a game comes along which invites us in to more fancy surroundings or, on this occasion, Ibrox. These are the matches that really get the stomach churning - but they are also games to savour.

It was nearly a decade ago that we were dishing out defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United (whatever happened to that pair of duds, eh?). It was closer to 20 years ago that we reached this stage of the UEFA Cup competition. Dragged there by little Robertino Baggio on the eve of Italia '90 we made the final. In the end, over two legs, we lost to another Italian team who play in black and white and answer to the nickname, The Hunchbacks.

Look back further and you will see that Rangers were the opponents on the only occasion Fiorentina won a European trophy - the Cup Winners Cup in 1961. Inspired by Kurt Hamrin they won the two-legged affair 4-1 on aggregate. It crowned a golden age for the Viola who had won the Scudetto in 1956 and then went on to finish second for several seasons in a row.

In my lifetime, however, the great Euro moments have been few. The Divin Codino skating across the icy pitch to beat Dynamo Kiev, Batigol silencing the Nou Camp and Old Trafford and, now, the possibility of completing Mission Ibrox and getting to Manchester for the UEFA Cup final.

I will settle down with my old pal Martino and a good bottle of Tuscan red and pray for victory. Then we could dream of another sumptuous footballing treat - possibly with Luca Toni as guest of honour.

Countdown to Apocalypse

I have been building myself up into a bit of a state about one particular game recently. The UEFA Cup semi-final, of course. Fiorentina against Rangers.

It is a re-run of the Cup Winners Cup final of about 47 years ago - which my dad was lucky enough to attend (depends on your definition of luck). The Viola won that one and here is hoping that they can repeat it this time.

I have just read an interesting interview with Celtic misfit Massimo Donati giving his view of what Fiorentina can expect. He says expect the Rangers to play an ultra-cautious 4-5-1 formation and try to hit on the break. How times have changed!

I believe the boys in purple have the technique and ability to grab at least one goal at Ibrox. That would make the return job in Florence a lot easier. I hope they can reach the final and meet old Luca Toni and Bayern Munich there. What a pleasure that would be...

Azzurri aces

Given that I have just posted my favourite three Viola players of all time, I thought I would follow up with my favourite three Azzurri from my era (circa 1980 to present day). Of course, I would probably have slotted two of my previous selection in here too but I will leave Roby Baggio and Giancarlo Antognoni to one side.

1) Claudio Gentile - I could have gone for the elegance and poise of Gaetano Scirea or Franco Baresi but why not go for old shirt-ripper himself. He was everything that the world despised about Italian football but he hit his peak for the 1982 World Cup. His man-marking skills put paid to Zico, Diego Maradona and Karl Heinz Rummenigge in the space of that competition. It wasn't pretty but, hell, it was effective.

2) Paolo Maldini - A no brainer, really, but he has been the most influential player in the Italian game for the last 20 years or so. As soon as he emerged as a teenager you knew you were watching something special. His driving runs from full-back were a joy to watch and his strength in defence second to none. Even now, as he approaches 40, he still shows the young boys a thing or two.

3) Andrea Pirlo - I was tempted to go for Luca Toni but if there is one Italy player I enjoy watching at present it is the Milan man. The way he runs a game from midfield is outstanding. He was a great player as an Under 21 but there was a danger he was going to lose his way. God bless Carlo Ancelotti for creating that deep midfield role for him. A model of poise, balance and grace.

The father, the son and the Batigol

This, believe it or not, is my 200th post on this site. So I wanted to make it a special one or, at least, a bit unusual. I have decided to pay tribute to my three favourite all-time Fiorentina players.

1) Giancarlo Antognoni - The undisputed King of Firenze I watched him as a little boy in pre-season training in the Tuscan hills. He was the epitome of elegance and - it seemed to me - never needed to look at his feet to know where the ball was. For those of you too young to remember, think Andrea Pirlo but a bit taller and more fragile.

He was the classic playmaker in a time before every football had to have a six-pack, thunder-thighs and a lung capacity the size of a small family saloon. He won next to nothing with the Viola but a World Cup with Italy. And he shares my name, what more could you ask?


2) Robert Baggio - Even though he went on to find fame and fortune with Juve, Inter, Milan and others we always like to think he left his heart in Florence. That was certainly the case in his first season with the Bianconeri when he declined to take a penalty against his previous employers. What a man!

He looked so small and defenceless out on the pitch and yet ghosted away from opponents as if they were not there. His balance was outstanding and coolness in front of goal impeccable. Even in his late 30s with Brescia he was still one of the best in Serie A. Ci manchi tanto Robi!

3) Gabriel Omar Batistuta - A true force of nature and possibly the greatest striker of his generation. He had power, pace and a the kind of never-say-die attitude which is not exactly typical of Italian football.

I think I have seen him score in every possible manner but if he had a trade mark it was probably this. The long ball over the top dropped in front of him, he barged past a couple of defenders and thumped the ball with such venom that even if the keeper got close he had no chance of keeping it out of his goal. "Fiorentina have scored, it's that man Batistuta again!"

You'll notice all this avoids mentioning Roma v Man Utd last night.

No need for panic

So, we lost to Spain in a friendly. It was a cracking strike by David Villa which decided the game. Nonetheless, I am still cheerful for a few reasons.

1) Daniele De Rossi is growing into one of Europe's best midfielders. He is like Rino Gattuso but with better distribution skills and more goal threat. That makes a pretty impressive package.

2) Big Luca Toni led the line well and Toto Di Natale was a great sidekick. With Mauro Camoranesi also in good form the attacking options looked good.

3) Gigi Buffon is the best.

4) Let's face it, Spain ALWAYS win friendlies. It's the big tournaments that matter.

A lively finale in store

If the weekend events are anything to go by, the last ten weeks of the Serie A season could be pretty entertaining. Here are a few reasons why I think so...

1) Despite going down to defeat against Roma, Milan looked good. If only they had had Clarence Seedorf in for the second leg against Arsenal they might have given a better account of themselves. Bad news with the injury to Kaka but they will still fight hard for a fourth place finish.

2) Roma showed a lot of guts to come from behind to beat the Rossoneri. They play a lot of their games in advance of Inter in the weeks to come, it could be to their advantage. Also, they have Serie A's finest supersub - Mirko Vucinic.

3) Fiorentina got Adrian Mutu back which will be vital to fending off Milan in the fight for fourth place. I don't know if they can take the strain of the playing the UEFA Cup and battling for a Champions League finish but I do hope so.

4) Even the teams at the bottom of the table have started winning, meaning the relegation fight is going to be a juicy prospect too.

How we used to be

UEFA, take note. Get rid of those daft group games and get the UEFA Cup back to the way it was. Up-and-coming sides standing toe-to-toe in a battle of footballing philosophies - just like we got at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

If the game in Italy was all about Fiorentina's technique then the return match was all about Everton's passion. They threw everything at the Viola who eventually held on - just - to win the tie on penalties. But what a thrilling night.

It was just like the old days when old-fashioned English attitudes of commitment, strength and tempo clashed head on with Italian technique, tactics and invention. What compelling viewing it made. In the end, it was only the cool heads from the penalty spot that made the difference. Everton were a team transformed from the pale imitation which turned up in Florence. It wasn't how I like to see the game played but, by God, it was effective.

Now the Viola go into the pot for the quarter-finals and, with the way they clung on to win in England, must have a chance of going further. See you in the City of Manchester for the final?

Bitter night for Inter

I know they are not many people's favourites but you still had to feel a bit sorry for Inter on Tuesday night. Not for going out of the Champs League, but the manner in which it happened. Playing the majority of their two legs against Liverpool with 10 men gave them a mountain to climb - and they are not THAT good to be able to climb it.

The decisions which put the Nerazzurri in difficulty were dreadful. Both in Liverpool and in Milan. If it had happened in reverse we would no doubt have been hearing all sorts of claims of corruption of officials.

What is annoying is that the top team in Serie A went out without being able to give a fair account of themselves. They might have gone out anyway but it would have been nice for Liverpool to have to beat them 11 against 11. Such is life.

Tonight it is Fiorentina's turn. There is a job to be finished at Goodison and I hope they are professional enough to do it. I haven't enjoyed Mr Moyes' attempts to ape Sir Alex and call for a "strong referee" and all that. He is surely better than that. Still, may the best team in purple win.

We're not dead yet...

Maybe Serie A is not in such a disastrous state as we thought. Roma have won through, Fiorentina beat Everton and, who knows, if Inter could pull off a miracle the European scene would not looks so bleak.

There were also a few wake-up calls for England after their Champions League dominance. Spurs and Everton beaten in Europe and Bolton on a scoring draw at home. Yes, the top four are strong but maybe the strength in depth is not quite at the level it first appeared. Still, the Viola have to finish the job on Wednesday at Goodison.

So a big week lies in store. I hope for at the very least a show of pride by Inter. They were unlucky to play so much of the game at Anfield with ten men. Now they have got to show some guts and at least put up a fight. Otherwise, may the wheels fall off completely and let someone else win Serie A!

As for the boys in purple, they were impeccable on Thursday. Don't know how much was down to Everton playing badly and how much to Viola playing well. Pasqual looked like a world-beater while Carsley, Yobo, Lescott and others looked cumbersome in comparison. No doubt it will be a different tempo on Wednesday but I would hope the Fiorentini can find a goal - that would surely make it too much for Everton to do.

Magical Mirko!

After the bitter taste of Tuesday what a joy to see Roma keep Italian football to the fore with a gutsy display in Madrid. If only we could play Spanish teams every week...

The game was cagey throughout but the Giallorossi kept their cool but it was Mirko Vucinic who turned the match. He came on for Mancini and put in a virtuoso display - hitting the crossbar, getting a man sent off and scoring the vital second which killed off the tie.

The team also showed it had learned a few lessons from the terrible thumping it took in Manchester not so long ago. They may not go on to win the thing but they should at least be nobody's idea of an easy draw in the quarter finals.

Addio campioni!

They tried to resist the forces of nature but, in the end, Milan succumbed to Arsenal in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday night. In the end, disappointed as you might be, the better team over the two legs went through.

The Rossoneri had their chances in the San Siro but it was a bad time for Ricky Kaka to have an off night. Andrea Pirlo was also ensnared well by the Gunners midfield which left the playmaking role all too often in the hands of Rino Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini. How we wished the warmly-wrapped Clarence Seedorf could have come down from the stands and played his part.

Now is a time for stock-taking in Milan. The team needs an overhaul - maybe not as drastic as some people suggest - but an overhaul nonetheless. A striking target man would be useful, another creative midfielder to take pressure off Pirlo and - toughest of all - a replacement for Paolo Maldini.

You have to wonder if it might be the end of Carlo Ancelotti too. Not that he has done badly but failure to get to the last eight will be seen as disaster. If the Rossoneri should finish outside the top four that would be unforgivable. Do you think Mr Mourinho will have his phone switched on?

A weekend of surprises...

Day 26: Juventus-Fiorentina highlights
Uploaded by SerieAtv

Ah, history in the making! The Viola down Juve in Turin and Napoli beat Inter. Great times, my friends, great times...

Fulmine a San Siro

It should have been the goal that blasted the Serie A battle back open. Francesco Totti struck as sweet a left foot strike as you will ever see to give Roma the lead over Inter in their top of the table fight on Wednesday night. Instead, the Nerazzurri clawed their way back with ten men to get a draw which keeps them nine points clear.

The game started sluggishly but once Roma got ahead it sprung to life. Bobby Mancini committed his subs early and paid the price when Maxwell was stretchered off leaving his team with ten men. However, the referee evened that up by harshly sending off Phillipe Mexes. Then Roma lost a man through injury too, leaving them with nine.

Eventually, with suitable huff and puff, Javier Zanetti struck an equaliser through a forest of legs. The San Siro went nuts but the neutrals stamped the ground in disgust. Roma will never have a better chance to narrow the gap on the top of the table team than that.

Inter rattled?

Following hot on the heels of their disaster in Liverpool, could Inter's failure to win against Sampdoria constitute a crisis? Even Bobby Mancini hinted as much in his recent interviews. For a side used to winning at a canter it throws a slender lifeline to their opponents.

The only side who can credibly take advantage are Roma who, nice coincidence, will play them on Wednesday night. If the Giallorossi could somehow sneak a win it would close the gap to six points which, while still significant, might give some hope of a genuine title fight.

Roma beat my beloved Viola, of course, on Sunday. I didn't see much of the game, I confess, but I did see the highlights. Obviously it is not an offence in Rome for Totti to stand in the line of a shot in an offside position in front of the goalkeeper. Churlish, moi? Worse news that Adrian Mutu picked up an injury and could be out for some time.

Elsewhere it was goalfest as Torino and Parma drew 4-4 and Genoa thumped Udinese 5-3. Italian football boring? Give me a break.

Firenze Sogna

Tonight is the night when a little dream can come true. Fiorentina take on Rosenborg in Florence with the prize dangling at the end of it a trip to Goodison Park to take on Everton.

I have followed the Viola for too long to think they will do the job with ease. However, having won the first leg 1-0 it would be a real shame to throw it away. I want my trip down to Liverpool to see my boys in action. Here is hoping.

The Matrix unplugged

Remember the old Marco Materazzi? The pre-World Cup 2006, total-liability version? Well he was back in force on Tuesday night. He saw red leaving Inter with ten men for the majority of their Champions League clash with Liverpool. They lost 2-0, seriously compromising their chances of progress. Same old Inter, I am inclined to say.

Yes, Matrix's sending-off was harsh but after his first soft yellow (and one for Chivu) he should have got the idea. Instead, sadly, no. It has left the Nerazzurri with a mountain to climb.

Roma did better against Real. Their 2-1 win at least gives them half a chance of progressing. I was disappointed they didn't push to try to get a third. However, maybe they gave as much as they could. They have a couple of weeks to focus on the return game. I believe they will score in Madrid, don't know if they will score enough, mind you...

That's one in the bag

Well, Inter really don't need to worry any more about the Scudetto after the weekend's events. They brushed past Livorno while Juve did them a big favour in beating Roma. You've got to hand it to Claudio Ranieri. He has put the Bianconeri in with a decent shout of finishing in second place in their first season back in Serie A.

Down the table a bit, Milan could not break down a solid Parma side and their draw allowed Fiorentina to rebuild a gap in fourth place thanks to an Adrian Mutu wonder strike against Catania. Udinese also won, making the fight for that last Champions League spot pretty tasty.

Elsewhere, it was the Antonio Cassano show as Samp won the Genoese derby by a single goal. Honestly, if the boy from Bari could just focus on his football he would be a real bonus to both club and country...

Torna presto Ronie!

I know, I know that I have poked fun at him in the past. I think I called him the "Lord of the Pies" and I definitely joked that he could no longer jump off the ground. However, I would not have wished a career-ending injury on Ronaldo.

It looks like the end of the road after he collapsed in a heap against Livorno on Wednesday night. I know he fought back before but I really wonder if he can manage it again. It is a big blow to Milan who - while they have Pato and Paloschi for the future - could have done with his experience in the big games to come.

Perhaps I am wrong and he can defy the odds and come back again. However, when a player has suffered as many serious injuries as he has, it is hard to believe he can really be a force to be reckoned with ever again.

In praise of the little guy

In these days of global brand positioning - whatever that means - it is worth pausing to remember that, for the time being at least, even footballing giants need somebody to play against. So, for all this talk of taking the game around the world, you still have to be able to beat the minnows in your own back yard. And if those tiddlers happen to give you a fright from time to time - so much the better.

I thought this while watching Siena, Reggina, Catania and - to a lesser extent - Udinese at the weekend. Siena gave Milan a hard time only to be sunk by the Rossoneri's latest wonderkid Paloschi. On Saturday night Reggina played so cautiously for the first half I nearly switched off but in the second period they were enterprising and aggressive only to lose out to Roma. It was a similar story for Catania against Inter. Up until the Nerazzurri went ahead it was a good game.

Elsewhere, Fiorentina contrived to throw away a win (or Atalanta battled to the death, depending on your viewpoint). It means a midweek win over Livorno would put Milan into fourth place and back into the Champions League points. Apart from one setback - also at Atalanta - they are the form team of Serie A at the moment...