Can Fiorentina overcome tragedy to return to Europe?

As one of the most distinctive clubs in the world, Fiorentina – the Viola – are many neutrals’ ‘other’ side. From the 1990s, where the likes of Gabriel Batistuta reigned supreme, to the mid-2000s when they impressed so much under Cesare Prandelli, Fiorentina are an easy club to love.

Even more lovable about the club, though, is their romantic story. Like every romance, though, the club has had its fair share of tragedy: not least in 2018, when their beloved club captain, Davide Astori, died tragically.

Fiorentina and dealing with death

The defender, who has since seen his squad number of 13 retired, was a major part of the Viola. His death naturally caused a huge void to form in the club, and they done well to end last season in 8^th place under Stefano Pioli. This year, they sit 10^th. Not long after the first anniversary of the loss of their captain, the 4^th March, the club looks to be pulling very much in the right direction.

Although a present 10^th place position does not sound great, good times could be around the corner for Fiorentina. In 2019, they have lost just once – but have also won only four times. A series of draws, including back-to-back 3-3 thrillers with Internazionale and Atalanta respectively, were very fun to watch. The 3-1 defeat to Atalanta in the league, though, less so.

Thanks to the rapid form of new singing Luis Muriel, though, the club is very much seeing its ambition being rewarded. The impressive Jordan Veretout and German Pezzella play with regular consistency, too, as does young full-back Nikola Milenkovic. Academy star Federico Chiesa is among their most important players, too, and looks certain for long-term progress.

Can the Viola make a European spot?

Though going through in the Coppa Italia at this point would be a surprise, it’s definitely possible. Muriel, though, offers them a forward with immense consistency, and a fine alternative to Giovanni Simeone. Despite being in 10^th place, just five points separate them from 6^th-placed Torino.

In fact, they are just 11 points off a UEFA Champions League place. While too much to make up at this stage of the season, it shows the fine margins of a very tight Calcio season. They could easily leapfrog themselves into the European spots with a win on Sunday night against SS Lazio.

If they can get a win against Lazio, the gap would close even further still. Their improvement in 2019 in terms of consistency and solidity means that losses aren’t coming anywhere near as often as they once did. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why there is a quiet confidence around the Tuscan outfit.

From dealing with the tragedy of loss, Fiorentina as a club has handled the death of Davide Astori with great clarity. What better, though, to celebrate the life and the achievements of their beloved captain than with a win in the cup and the push for a European spot?

Seen as a club that might fall into a tailspin following the tragedy that struck, Fiorentina are moving forward in the right direction. Nothing can fill the hole that Astori left in the club – but they could do his memory immense justice with a continuation of their form of 2019 so far.

Featured Image Credit: “Ver Manchester United vs. Bayern Múnich” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by MULADAR NEWS