Fiorentina vs. Atalanta: Final score 2-0; Viola run out winners in an entertaining match

Fiorentina have had a tough time of it recently, with injures playing a major role in preventing the side from winning. Uninspired performances have hurt the viola as well, and Vincenzo Montella’s tinkering hadn’t produced many successes. Until the match against Atalanta, that is. Despite Atalanta being both solid at the back and willing to hit at on the counter, Fiorentina’s much improved performance saw the side emerge victorious in a match that was entertaining for all who watched.

Josip Iličić's beautiful free kick gave Fiorentina a lead at 16th minute already.put Fiorentina ahead in the 16th minute. Juan Cuadrado’s run was cut short by Giulio Migliaccio, who brought down the Colombian some twenty meters from the Atalanta goal. Free kick came after a great run by Juan Cuadrado, who was fouled some 20 meters from Andrea Consigli's goal. Iličić put his left footed shot directly into the top right corner of the net. Fiorentina’s second was a long time coming, but they finally found it in the 86th minute. Rafał Wolski, who put in a fantastic, confident performance, got on the end of a ball from Matí Fernández as the viola broke quickly. The young Pole got himself inside the box, created a little space by dribbling past two Atalanta defenders, and put the ball into the far corner of Andrea Consigli’s goal. The past few viola performances stood out not because of their free flowing attack, but rather boring, fruitless possession. Not so much with this one. Along with Wolski’s bright performance, Cuadrado looked much better, and Iličić played a vital role in creating problems for the Atalanta defense. The Fiorentina defense still looked shaky, but fortunately for their hopes of Champions League football next season, Neto put in a good performance between the sticks. Atalanta, too, performed well, although they might feel let down after beating Napoli 3-0 last weekend. La Dea were entertaining, unafraid of attacking despite the side’s rather dismal record on the road. Even after Luca Cigarini was sent off with a second yellow in the 81st minute, the visitors still continued to attack, very nearly getting an equalizer before Wolski put in Fiorentina’s second.

Fiorentina (3-5-2): Neto, Savić, Compper, Diakite, Vargas, Borja Valero, Pizarro, Anderson (56'), Cuadrado, Iličić (Wolski 60'), Matri (Matos 78')