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Fiorentina beats Sigma Olomouc at Franchi: Viola break the European curse in the Conference League, while the Czechs debut with a bitter defeat.

Just finished the match at Franchi between Fiorentina and the Czech team, Sigma Olomouc, with the result of 1-0 in favor of the Viola. Finally, Pioli’s team manages to reverse the negative trend, which has seen them have the worst start to a season since the introduction of three points (1977-78). However, so far their path in the Conference League, a competition in which they have participated and reached at least the semifinals in all three previous editions, has been clear: from the two qualifying rounds against Polyssya Zhytomyr, until today, during their actual debut in the competition. Furthermore, Fiorentina has finally managed to break the curse that saw them conclude their debut in the competition without a win in two out of three cases.

However, a bitter debut for the Czechs, who after winning the national Cup last year, in the final against Slavia Prague, have secured the opportunity to finally play in Europe after a seven-year drought (it is the first time in their history that they face a League Phase). Like the Viola, the team coached by Janotka is going through a period far from idyllic, with two losses and two draws against only one victory in their season start in the Czech Republic, also being eliminated prematurely from the competition they were the reigning champions of, against a fourth division team.

Fiorentina-Sigma Olomouc: First half

The match coached by Stefano Pioli starts with the kickoff, leaving the eleven trained by Tomáš Janotka waiting. The Sigma coach decides to respond to Pioli’s 3-5-2 formation, notable for Moise Kean’s exclusion in favor of Dzeko, with the usual 4-2-3-1, already used in the unfortunate preliminary round against Malmö, with the only difference being the absence from the starting lineup of the number seven, Radim Breite, historical captain of the club, who has accumulated over 16,000 minutes in the Sigma shirt, usually starting from the first minute but available from the bench today.
Unfortunately, the Czech coach will not be able to rely on Vašulín, due to a muscle injury, depriving Sigma of their top scorer, who has scored 5 goals in 8 league matches.

A calm start to the match, with the team making their Conference League debut confirming their intentions from the start: to let Fiorentina control the game and then exploit counterattacks.

The first notable opportunity comes in the 9th minute: Džeko receives the ball from Mandragora and, with a twist, manages to aim towards the opponent’s goal, marking the first shot on target of the match. The Bosnian continues to dominate: Fiorentina’s technical leader, controlling most of the balls in the offensive half, effectively acting as an additional attacking midfielder. Also worth mentioning a curious one-and-a-half-minute break in the game for an irregularity with Dodô’s socks, spotted by referee Florian Badstübner.

At the 18th minute, the first chance for Sigma arrives: David Tkac tries a powerful right-footed shot from distance, aimed at the far post, but De Gea is ready.

The Czech defense is already under pressure: at the 20th minute, Fiorentina earns the fourth corner of the match. However, until that moment, the most dangerous chances had been from the visitors, who with Ghali once again threaten with a shot.

At the 27th minute, the game changes: the first goal for Fiorentina arrives. Ndour creates a splendid through ball that cuts through the defense, putting Roberto Piccoli in front of the goal, who receives the assist from number 27 and scores his first goal in the purple shirt.

Another dangerous opportunity for Fiorentina: Piccoli hits the post after a nice pass from Dodô. Shortly after, Ranieri tries a cross-shot that hits the crossbar and leads to Dodô tapping in, but the goal is disallowed for offside.

Another chance for the Viola with Ndour, who shoots from outside the box, confirming the team’s good form under Pioli, finally shining in their gameplay. A few minutes before halftime, Piccoli threatens the goal again: fed by Mandragora, he shoots just wide, although the play is stopped for offside.

After the two minutes of added time, without any major excitement, the first half ends: Fiorentina leads 1-0, with the only yellow card shown to Fagioli.

Fiorentina-Sigma Olomouc: Second half

The game resumes with just one change: Janotka introduces Langer for Tkac, the author of the most dangerous chance for Sigma, forced to leave the field due to a physical problem.

In the 50th minute, the first opportunity of the second half: Džeko plays through to Piccoli, but the striker is caught by Sylla, the backbone of the Czech defense and former Vyškov player, elected among the best defenders in the last Chance Liga.

Immediately after, Piccoli makes a strong header to set up Džeko, but the Bosnian’s through ball is read by the opposition defense. Another flurry: Fiorentina makes a crucial double save after a mistake by Džeko, who first looks for a foul and then loses the ball, forcing De Gea to make a last-ditch save.

Great recovery by Pongračić, who turns the play around and sets up Piccoli again, but the striker’s shot doesn’t trouble the Czech goalkeeper Koutný. In the 59th minute, the first substitutions for Fiorentina: Pioli brings on Fazzini and Parisi for Mandragora and Gosens. Janotka responds with Tijani and Michez, replacing Mikulenka and Dolžnikov.

Yellow cards are shown: Ndour booked for a late challenge on Sigma’s 37; shortly after, Ghali also receives a yellow card, forced to commit a tactical foul on Parisi.

Another important save by De Gea, who blocks a shot by Ghali following a mistake in Pongračić’s distribution.

More substitutions: Džeko out, Gudmundsson in; Dodô out, replaced by Fortini. In Sigma, the captain Breite finally comes in for Kostadinov.

Fifteen minutes from the end, bad luck for the visitors: Michez, who just came on, gets injured and is replaced by Jáchym Šíp.

Fiorentina continues to push: Fazzini dribbles past defenders and takes a shot, but the ball is deflected with the defender’s back for a corner kick.

Last change for Pioli: Pongračić out, who had a solid performance, and the young Pietro Comuzzo in.

In stoppage time, a tired Piccoli fails to capitalize on a great pass from De Gea, shooting just wide.

At 90+ the second goal for Fiorentina arrives: the winning goal is scored by Cher Ndour, who with a splendid right-footed shot seals the game and gives the team the first three points, breaking the European curse at the start of the Conference League.

Fiorentina’s Rolando Mandragora portrait during italian soccer Serie A match Bologna FC vs ACF Fiorentina at the Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy, September 11, 2022 – Credit: Ettore Griffoni