Serie A 2021/22: How Fiorentina’s performance against Salernitana showcases their Serie A revival – tactical analysis

ACF Fiorentina was a true Italian powerhouse with the likes of Gabriel Batistuta and Rui Costa leading their attack. As time has passed, the Gigliati have unfortunately lost their way, with their last appearance in the UEFA Champions League occurring over a decade ago. The dysfunction of Fiorentina can be displayed through the rapid change of manager over the last couple of seasons, as no head coach dating back to 2015 has survived longer than the two seasons at the club. While this manager merry-go-round has been a detriment to Fiorentina, current manager, Vincenzo Italiano has shown signs of being a lasting figure within the club, bringing a sense of continuity and familiarity, with his side playing patient and pretty football. On the eve of Fiorentina’s game against Salernitana, the Purples sat 5th in Serie A, with their opponents sitting in last place. With this game taking place in Florence, all expectation was placed upon Fiorentina to take care of business and continue their fantastic form.

This tactical analysis will look into Fiorentina build-up variations and how they looked to progress forward. Along with unpacking, Salernitana defensive issues. Lastly, I will be discussing Lucas Torreiras role within this team.

Line Up

Fiorentina made use of a 4-3-3 formation with Pietro Terracciano in goal. In defence, Cristiano Biraghi and Real Madrid Loanee Álvaro Odriozola with Nikola Milenković and Lucas Martínez Quarta at centre-back. In midfield, Lucas Torreira, Giacomo Bonaventura, and Alfred Duncan. In attack, Nicolás González, José Callejón and Dušan Vlahović up-front.

Salernitana utilised a 4-3-1-2 formation  Vid Belec in goal. In defence, Frédéric Veseli, Norbert Gyömbér, Luka Bogdan and Luca Ranieri. In midfield, Wajdi Kechrida and Grigoris Kastanos with Joel Obi and Lassana Coulibaly. In attack, ex-Bayern Munich forward Franck Ribéry and Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo.

Fiorentinas offensive structure

As mentioned prior, Fiorentina, under Vincenzo Italiano, has been a fascinating watch throughout the season so far, and they did not let up during this match. Fiorentina looked to play out against their opposition’s press, and during the first phase of play, the ball was targeted out wide as soon as possible. Fiorentina would make use of passing into central passages of the pitch and moving forward through that avenue. With this being said, Fiorentina’s greatest strength was progressing through the wide areas. Another common theme that was utilised was their fluidity and use of wall passing, especially during the initial phase of play.

Here we see centre-back Lucas Martínez Quarta in possession, about to make a pass to right-back Álvaro Odriozola under no actual pressure on the far side of the pitch.