European Cups

First Little and then Ndour, The Purple finally returns to smile – Football style

Published

3 weeks ago

10/03/2025

Staff

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

The match at Franchi between Fiorentina and the Czech team, Sigma Olomouc, has just ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of the Viola. Finally, Pioli’s team manages to reverse the negative trend, which has seen them have their worst start to a season since the introduction of the three points system (1977-78). However, their journey in the Conference League so far has been clean: from the two preliminary rounds against Polyssya Zhytomyr, up to today, during their actual debut in the competition. Moreover, Fiorentina has finally managed to break the curse that had seen them conclude their debut in the competition without a win in two out of three cases.

A bitter debut instead for the Czechs, who, after winning the national cup last year, in the final against Slavia Prague, secured the chance to finally make it to Europe after a seven-year drought (their first time ever facing a League Phase). Like the Viola club, the team coached by Janotka is going through a period far from idyllic, with two defeats and two draws alongside just one victory in their season start in the Czech Republic, also exiting prematurely from the competition they were defending champions of, against a fourth division team.

Fiorentina-Sigma Olomouc: First Half

The team coached by Stefano Pioli starts the game at Franchi, with the eleven trained by Tomáš Janotka having to wait. The Sigma coach decides to respond to Pioli’s 3-5-2 formation, with the most noteworthy news being the exclusion of Moise Kean 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 number seven, Radim Breite, the club’s historic captain, with over 16,000 minutes played in the Sigma shirt, usually starting from the first minute but available as a substitute today.
Unfortunately, the Czech coach cannot rely on Vašulín due to a muscle injury, depriving the 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 absolute debut in the Conference League confirming their intentions from the start: to give possession to the Viola and then exploit counterattacks.

The first notable chance comes at 9′: Džeko receives the ball from Mandragora and, with a turn, manages to direct towards the opponent’s goal, marking the first shot on target of the match. The Bosnian continues to dominate: technical leader of Fiorentina, he handles most of the balls in the offensive half, effectively acting as an additional playmaker. Also worth noting a curious interruption of play, lasting about a minute and a half, due to an irregularity with Dodô’s socks, spotted by referee Florian Badstübner.

At 18′, the first chance for Sigma: 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 20′, Fiorentina wins the fourth corner of the match. However, up to that point, the most dangerous chances had been from the visitors, who with Ghali threaten the goal again.

At 27′, the game changes: the first goal for Fiorentina arrives. Ndour plays a brilliant through ball that cuts through the defense, putting Roberto Piccoli in front of the goal, who at the twenty-seventh minute receives the assist from number 27 and scores his first goal in the purple shirt.

Fiorentina remains dangerous: Piccoli hits the post after a nice pass from Dodô. Shortly after, Ranieri tries a cross-shot that hits the crossbar and sets up a tap-in for Dodô, but the goal is disallowed for offside.

Another chance for Viola with Ndour, who from outside the box goes close to scoring, confirming the good moment of Pioli’s team, finally shining in their play. A few minutes before half-time, again Piccoli threatens the goal: set up by Mandragora, he shoots just wide, although the action is then stopped for offside.

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

Fiorentina-Sigma Olomouc: Second Half

The game resumes with just one change: Janotka brings on Langer for Tkac, the author of the most dangerous chance for Sigma, forced to come off due to a physical issue.

At 50′, the first chance of the second half: Džeko plays through to Piccoli, but the striker is closed down by Sylla, the defensive pivot for Sigma and former Vyškov player, voted among the best defenders in the last Chance Liga.

Immediately after, powerful header by Piccoli who sets up Džeko, but the Bosnian’s through ball is read by the opposition defense. Another spark: decisive double save by Fiorentina 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 again sets up Piccoli, whose shot, however, doesn’t trouble the Czech goalkeeper Koutný. At 59′, the first changes for Viola: Pioli brings on Fazzini and Parisi for Mandragora and Gosens. Janotka responds with Tijani and Michez, replacing Mikulenka and Dolžnikov.

Yellow cards also come out: Ndour booked for a late challenge on Sigma’s 37; shortly after Ghali is shown a yellow card, forced into a tactical foul on Parisi.

Another decisive save by De Gea, who parries a shot from Ghali following an error in Pongračić’s distribution.

More changes: Džeko off, Gudmundsson on; Dodô off, Fortini on. In Sigma, the captain Breite finally comes on, replacing Kostadinov.

Fifteen minutes from the end, misfortune for the visitors: Michez, who had just come on, gets injured, replaced by Jáchym Šíp.

Fiorentina continues to push: slalom by Fazzini who, with a double feint, gets a shot away, but the ball is deflected with the back by a defender for a corner kick.

Last change for Pioli: Pongračić off, who had a solid performance, and young Pietro Comuzzo on.

In injury 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 author of the winning shot is Cher Ndour, who with a splendid right-footed strike definitively closes the game and gives the first three points to the team, breaking the European curse on debuts in 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

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European Cups

180 fans arrested on the eve of the match

Published

1 hour ago

10/21/2025

Staff

The third day of the Champions League will also see Atalanta take on Slavia Prague. The match is scheduled to kick off tomorrow at 9 PM.

The Champions League continues with the third day, which will also feature the match between Atalanta and Slavia Prague.

The Nerazzurri team has so far achieved one win and one loss, currently having three points in the standings.

On the other hand, the Czech team has only managed to accumulate one point, placing them thirty-first.

After the heavy defeat at the Parc des Princes, La Dea immediately bounced back, securing a comeback victory against Bruges.

A breath of fresh air for the Orobics, who remain unbeaten in the league and aim for a second consecutive victory in Europe.

Juric is expected to field Lookman up front, with Sulemana likely to support him. Scalvini, on the other hand, will not be available for the match, once again sidelined.

However, keep an eye on Krstovic, who could be the last-minute surprise.

There are few doubts in midfield, where the young Bernasconi is set to start alongside Ederson, De Roon, and Bellanova.

Slavia Prague’s Lineup

It will be the second consecutive Italian away trip for Slavia Prague under Trpisovsky, seeking redemption at Atalanta’s home.

Following the 3-0 defeat at San Siro against Inter, the Czech team is positioned at the bottom of the table with just one point earned against Bodo Glimt.

The match appears to be very challenging, but the Czech team is determined to secure their first victory in this European campaign.

Possible Lineups

Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Ahanor; Bellanova, de Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere; Lookman, Sulemana. Coach: Juric

Slavia Prague (4-5-1): Staněk; Hashioka, Zima, Chaloupek, Vlček; Provod, Sadilek, Zafeiris, Dorley, Douděra; Kušej. Coach: Trpišovsky

Where to Watch

The match between Atalanta and Salvia Prague, scheduled for tomorrow evening at 9:00 PM, can be viewed on:

Sky Sport Uno

Sky Sport 4K

Sky Sport

Now Tv

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European Cups

Inter, possible Champions League turnover: Chivu doses the energies

Published

5 hours ago

10/21/2025

Staff

Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match against Union Saint Gilloise.

Inter is aiming for a third consecutive victory in the Champions League. On the European path of the Nerazzurri, there is Union Saint Gilloise, the Belgian champions. Chivu’s team will take the field tomorrow at 9 pm at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels. On the eve of the match, Inter coach Christian Chivu presents the Champions League challenge. Here are his words.

Inter, Chivu’s words on Sky Sport

How will you manage the team in consideration of Napoli?

“Since I arrived, I have been asking the players for responsibility and passion. We need to honor this competition, at the moment we are only focused on tomorrow’s match.”

Opponent.

“A team with its own identity, last year they won the championship. They are still at the top of the league, having beaten PSV in the Champions League. They are a very physical and aggressive team, so we need to be very good at avoiding their pressure.”

Has the team’s mentality returned?

“I have tried to do my job. It’s just a matter of perception, driven by results. When you win, everything is easier and you are praised. I have been living in this world for many years, I know how it works in Italy, and it takes very little to start saying certain things again. I am happy with what the boys are giving me, they have the ambition to stay at the levels reached in recent years.”

Thuram.

MARCUS THURAM A TERRA RAMMARICATO ( FOTO DI SALVATORE FORNELLI )

“It’s a shame, he is an important player and was in great shape and confidence. I believe he will rejoin the group next week, I don’t know if it will be against Fiorentina or Hellas Verona.”

Chivu in press conference

Do you want to repeat last year’s journey?

“We have an obligation to think big. We have a supporting society and we must be our best version to be present in all competitions by spring.”

What needs to be avoided now?

“We need to maintain enthusiasm and try to avoid missteps. We have delivered good performances and we have the ambition to move forward following the same path of the past few weeks.”

How are Lautaro and Thuram?

“Lautaro is fine and has not had the problems he had before Roma. He has also recovered from his cold and has made good progress. Marcus needs a few extra days, he won’t be available for Napoli.”

What do you expect from Union St Gilloise?

“The team is very aggressive and wants to press high, I don’t know if they will change against us but I don’t think they will alter their identity. They have already earned three points in the Champions League and are at the top of the league. The incident with Newcastle is something that can happen to anyone, they are a strong and very aggressive team.”

Are you also thinking about the Napoli match?

“We think game by game and the Champions League should not be underestimated. We know what it means to play in the Champions League and we must honor our history. In the last three years, these boys have reached two finals, which is no small feat. There are teams that don’t make it in 30 years, let alone two in three years. We approach this match with the utmost responsibility and attention.”

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European Cups

Probable lineups and where to watch it – Soccer style

Published

9 hours ago

10/20/2025

Staff

Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match against Union Saint Gilloise.

Inter is looking for their third consecutive victory in the Champions League. On the European journey of the Nerazzurri is Union Saint Gilloise, the Belgian champions. Chivu’s team will take the field tomorrow at 9 PM at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels. On the eve of the match, Inter coach Christian Chivu presents the Champions League match. Below are his words.

Inter, Chivu’s words on Sky Sport

How will you manage the team also with Napoli in mind?

“Since I arrived, I have been asking for responsibility and passion from the boys. We need to honor this competition, at this moment we are only thinking about tomorrow’s match.”

Opponent.

“A team that has its own identity, last year they won the championship. They are still at the top of the league, they beat PSV in the Champions League. They are a very physical and aggressive team, we will have to be very good at avoiding their pressure.”

Has the group mentality been regained?

“I have tried to do my job. It’s just a matter of perception, given by the results. When you win, everything is easier, and you get praised. I have been in this world for many years, I know how it works in Italy, and it takes little to start saying certain things again. I am happy with what the boys are giving me, they have the ambition to stay at the levels reached in recent years.”

Thuram.

MARCUS THURAM A TERRA RAMMARICATO (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

“It’s a shame, he is an important player and was in great shape, and in confidence. I believe he will rejoin the group next week, I’m not sure if it will be against Fiorentina or Hellas Verona.”

Chivu in the press conference

Do you want to repeat last year’s path?

“We have an obligation to think big. We have a club that supports us and we must be the best version of ourselves to be present in all competitions by spring.”

What needs to be avoided now?

“We need to maintain enthusiasm and try to avoid missteps. We have had good performances and we have the ambition to continue following the same path as in recent weeks.”

How are Lautaro and Thuram?

“Lautaro is fine and has not had the same issues he had before Roma. He has also recovered from a cold and has made a good recovery. Marcus needs a few more days, he won’t be available for Napoli.”

What do you expect from Union St Gilloise?

“The team is very aggressive and wants to press high, I don’t know if they will change against us but I don’t think they will change their identity. They have already taken three points in the Champions League and are top of the league. The incident with Newcastle is something that can happen to anyone, they are a strong and very aggressive team.”

Are you also thinking about the Napoli match?

“We think game by game and the Champions League is not to be underestimated. We know what it means to play in the Champions League and we must honor our history. In the last three years, these boys have reached two finals and that is not easy, there are teams that can’t make it in 30 years, let alone two in three years. We treat this match with the utmost responsibility and attention.”

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