Fiorentina have thrown down the gauntlet for their pre season preparations, confirming a friendly against Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid on August 1. For...
Fiorentina have thrown down the gauntlet for their pre season preparations, confirming a friendly against Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid on August 1. For a side that finished just outside the European places last term, this is not merely an exhibition. It is a litmus test of their ambition and tactical growth under the Italian sun.Let us be clear. Facing a side of Real Madrid's pedigree, even in a friendly, is a statement of intent. The Viola faithful will be watching closely to see if their new shape can hold against the relentless transitional play that Mourinho's men, even in pre season, are known to punish. Can Fiorentina's backline withstand the clinical finishing of a Galactico front line Or will we see the kind of midfield scuffle that makes these friendlies feel more like a scrap for a place in the Champions LeagueThe fixture also offers a fascinating subplot. Mourinho himself, the master of the siege mentality, versus a Fiorentina side eager to shed their reputation as also rans. It is the kind of high stakes friendly that separates the pretenders from the contenders. Expect a physical, intense 90 minutes that will tell us more about La Viola's spirit than any training ground drill ever could.For the purist, this is a chance to see old school footballing values clashing with modern pragmatism. Fiorentina will likely look to press high and force errors, while Madrid will look to suck the life out of the game before striking on the break. It is a tactical chess match that has all the hallmarks of a classic, even if the result ultimately means nothing beyond a sharpened edge for the season ahead. One thing is certain: come August 1, the Artemio Franchi will be rocking with that distinct Italian fervour, and the visitors from the Spanish capital will know they have been in a game.
