Serie A 2021/22: How Fiorentina could reshape after Vlahovic’s Juventus departure – tactical analysis

Fiorentina have been moving around the European competitions’ spots in Serie A in the first half of the season and a huge part of the reason for that was Dušan Vlahović who scored 17 goals in 21 games. The forward’s outstanding form since the start of the 2021/22 campaign affected their performance and led to most of their successful displays. It also earned him the interest of Arsenal and Juventus who immediately tried to sign him in the winter transfer window.

The Bianconeri won that battle, which means that Fiorentina won’t only play without their best player, but he joins one of their direct rivals for the European spots this year, making things even worse for them. The manager Vincenzo Italiano would have to change his strategy and adjust his tactics so the team can fill in the gap left by the Serbian.

Vlahović’s departure doesn’t mean that the team are left without attacking players, though. They immediately brought in a couple of central forwards in hopes to make the transition easier. The player who is expected to get more playing minutes is Arthur Cabral, who arrives from Basel after scoring 27 goals in 31 games and assisting eight more.  The second player is Krzysztof Piatek who joined on loan from Hertha BSC where he couldn’t win a regular starting spot.

In this tactical analysis, we will include scout reports to examine how they can adjust to the changing circumstances and what are their options in attack.

What are their options now?

Arthur Cabral

As mentioned, Cabral arrives to Florence after a very strong start of the season with Basel. The 23-year-old’s versatility and set of skills could be very beneficial for the team if he quickly adjusts to the new league and develops a good relationship with his teammates.

There is plenty to be excited for, despite losing Vlahović, as their new addition’s killer instinct and understanding of the game make him a huge threat not only in front of the goal but also in ball progression.

His physicality is beneficial in many aspects from having a strong aerial presence to supporting the team’s attacking actions with his hold-up-play abilities. What adds to Cabral’s success is his judgement and spatial awareness. His strong positioning results in link-up-play supporting ball progression and one-touch combinations in the final third and also allows him to manoeuvre in and around the box and get at the end of crosses and passes, being a direct threat.

His aerial abilities are among his most valuable qualities. He averages 6.86 aerial duels per 90 with 50% of them being won. That often makes him unpredictable and has resulted in scoring many of his goals with his head. That could be perfect for Fiorentina as they highly rely on crossing (18.23 crosses p90) and he could be the one to convert their chances into goals.

He could also easily replace the Serbian on the penalty spot too as he has experience from his former club. Additionally, his control and composure could help the team increase their efficiency on a counter as he could carry the ball to the advanced areas or receive it in the advanced positions to threaten the goal equally well. He often drops deeper to pick up the ball and combines with his teammates in efforts to advance it most efficiently, which is why he proves to be beneficial on a counter.

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