Fiorentina’s preparation for Como has opened with a possible adjustment in midfield, while Franco Mastantuono has returned to training after surgery on a fracture to the fourth metacarpal of his left hand. Neither his inclusion nor a switch to 4-3-3 is yet settled for the weekend, but both were visible in the latest session.
Key takeaways
- Mastantuono trained with the group after the club confirmed his hand operation on Tuesday evening.
- Paolo Vanoli tested a three-man midfield in preparation for Como.
- Brescianini, Fagioli and Ndour were used together in one midfield option.
- Oulai was also tried deeper alongside Fagioli and Ndour.
- Pellegrino appears ahead of Beto in the contest to lead the attack.
A response to Como’s midfield threat
The possible move away from the 4-2-3-1 used by Vanoli since his return to Florence is intended to give Fiorentina more control through the centre. Como’s patient possession game, built around quality on the ball and regular vertical passes, could expose a side outnumbered in midfield.
A midfield three would offer greater coverage across the pitch. In one trial, Brescianini joined Fagioli and Ndour; in another, Oulai was brought back a few yards from the role he occupied at Marassi to form the same central unit.
There is no certainty that the experiment will become Fiorentina’s starting system against Como. The remaining sessions from Thursday through Saturday will determine both the final shape and whether Mastantuono is ready to start so soon after his procedure.
Choices around the forward line
With Mastantuono and Njie taking the wide positions in training, the central attacking place alternated between Pellegrino and Beto. The Argentine currently has the edge in that selection.
Pedro Gonçalves provides another route for Vanoli. He can operate between midfield and the role behind the striker, preserving a creative option even if the 4-2-3-1 is temporarily put aside. Atta’s absence makes a different arrangement more likely, but the previous system remains available should Fiorentina need to bring more attacking potential into the match.
