Cesare Prandelli Says Fiorentina's Federico Chiesa Can Be Best Player in Europe
Mar 16, 2020
FLORENCE, ITALY - FEBRUARY 08: Federico Chiesa of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Atalanta BC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 8, 2020 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Former Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has backed Fiorentina's Federico Chiesa to become the "best player in Europe" if he plays in his natural position.
The 22-year-old has six goals and three assists in 23 appearances in the 2019-20 Serie A season—currently on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak—exactly the same return he managed in 37 appearances last term.
He has long been linked with a move to Juventus, and both Manchester UnitedandParis Saint-Germain are said to be interested in the young Italy international, per Chris Burton of Goal.
Prandelli, who also managed Fiorentina between 2005 and 2010, believes the most crucial aspect to Chiesa's progression is that he plays in his preferred position, per La Nazione (h/t Burton):
"He must persevere and work in a single direction. I speak of the role, his role. Chiesa must specialise in what he feels is his natural tactical position. If he does this, he will become the best player in Europe."
During 2019-20, Chiesa has played all across the front line for Fiorentina.
His preferred position is on the right flank, but he can also play as a central striker.
One of the key areas he will need to improve in if he is to live up to Prandelli's prediction is his goalscoring output.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been the benchmarks in European football for the last decade, and their numbers are extraordinary:
April 2, 2019: Messi overtakes Ronaldo for the first time with 415 goals
February 2, 2020: Ronaldo overtakes Messi with 435 goals
It is unlikely any of the upcoming generation of attacking stars will be able to match Ronaldo and Messi's consistency.
But both of them are now well into their 30s and drawing to the end of their careers.
Chiesa has the talent to be one of those considered the best in Europe, but he may well need a move to a bigger club.
Fiorentina are 13th in Serie A at the moment after a tough 2019-20.
At a club fighting for major honours, Chiesa's output would likely increase, not least as he would have better service in attack, and it would not be a huge surprise if he were to leave Florence in the summer.
Fiorentina Confirm Patrick Cutrone, German Pezzella Test Positive for COVID-19
Mar 14, 2020
FLORENCE, ITALY - FEBRUARY 08: Patrick Cutrone of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Atalanta BC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 8, 2020 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina have confirmed first-team players Patrick Cutrone and German Pezzella have tested positive for COVID-19, along with club physiotherapist Stefano Dainelli.
The Serie A side released the following statement on their Twitter account, noting the trio are in good health:
COVID-19: MORE POSITIVE TESTS ACF Fiorentina announces that footballers Patrick Cutrone and German Pezzella and physiotherapist Stefano Dainelli also underwent tests, as they were showing some symptoms. All 3 resulted positive and are in good health at their homes in Florence. pic.twitter.com/V1Ru70irMK
— ACF Fiorentina English (@ACFFiorentinaEN) March 14, 2020
The news comes after their Viola team-mate Dusan Vlahovic tested positive for coronavirus on Friday.
Per Football Italia, five Sampdoria players—Omar Colley, Albin Ekdal, Antonino La Gumina, Manolo Gabbiadini and Morten Thorsby—have tested positive for the virus, along with Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.
Cutrone is on loan at Fiorentina from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The striker moved to the Premier League side last summer but struggled to make an impact, prompting a move back to Italy.
Per Sky Sports, La Viola have an option to make the loan move permanent for a fee in the region of £16 million. The 22-year-old has yet to find the back of the net in seven top-flight appearances for Fiorentina since his transfer.
Pezzella has been one of Fiorentina's better players in a difficult campaign, providing a strong presence at centre-back in the 23 Serie A appearances he has made in 2019-20.
Italy has been hit more severely with infection than any other country in Europe. It was confirmed earlier this week that all sport would be suspended until April 3 as part of a country-wide lockdown.
Per CNN, there are now more than 142,000 global cases of the coronavirus confirmed, with in excess of 5,300 people killed.
Fiorentina Play Down Federico Chiesa Exit Speculation Amid Juventus Rumours
Nov 27, 2019
Fiorentina general director Joe Barone has played down speculation Federico Chiesa is looking to leave the club and has turned down a contract extension, amid rumours linking him to Juventus and Inter Milan.
Per Football Italia, Barone told firenzeviola.it a meeting with the player's father had been arranged beforehand and had nothing to do with a reported transfer request:
"It was a meeting already arranged a couple of weeks ago, and not scheduled for yesterday or today. We have spoken about his future.
"We are working with him and continuing to speak, we have a very good rapport with Federico. But now he must recuperate.
"Our staff are working to get him into the best condition. Federico has another two-and-a-half years on his contract. We must leave him in peace."
Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira reported the winger has turned down a new deal.
Since then, La Viola have highlighted Chiesa's importance to the team whenever possible:
PRESS CONFERENCE | 🎙
Daniele Pradé 🗣 "We met with Enrico Chiesa this morning, as we had planned for some time. There is no rush to renew Federico Chiesa's contract. It's important that he is in good form and helps the team win matches"#ForzaViola 💜 #Fiorentina
According to Sport Mediaset (h/t Football Italia), Fiorentina have ruled out selling Chiesa to an Italian club if they have to move him.
The 22-year-old is a product of the Fiorentina academy, signing his first contract as a professional in 2016. His father Enrico Chiesa enjoyed some of his best days during his career with La Viola, and the family and club have a close connection. His younger brother is also a member:
Chiesa is regarded as one of the top attacking talents in Italy and recently scored his first goal for the national team. There are questions about Fiorentina's ambition and whether they can match that of their rising star, which has led to persistent exit rumours.
La Viola have failed to finish in the top four of Serie A in the last four seasons, tumbling all the way to 16th place in the 2018-19 campaign. They sit in 10th place, in what has been another underwhelming season.
Chiesa has mostly been linked with Juventus so far, although Corriere dello Sport (h/t TalkSport's Sean O'Brien) has also mentioned the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as possible suitors.
The one club Fiorentina would likely rather not sell to is Juventus due to the rivalry between the two. La Viola have lost some of their most popular players to the Bianconeri over the years, including Roberto Baggio and, most recently, Federico Bernardeschi.
The latter has failed to live up to the hype in Turin so far and should serve as a warning sign with regards to Chiesa. He too was a highly-touted winger and the unquestioned star of Fiorentina but is yet to find his place in a star-studded Juventus side.
Bobby Duncan Completes Permanent Transfer from Liverpool to Fiorentina
Sep 2, 2019
Liverpoolannounced on Monday that 18-year-old striker Bobby Duncan has completed a permanent transfer to Serie A side Fiorentina:
The teenager joined Liverpool from Manchester City in 2018 and scored 32 goals for the club's Under-18 side last season. He was also part of the first team's pre-season tour of the United States.
However, Liverpool have recently been forced to deny accusations of "mentally bullying and destroying" the striker's career by his agent, Salif Rubie, per Sky Sport News.
Rubie also accused Liverpool of preventing Duncan from leaving the club and said he was worried for the teenager's "mental health and well being."
His statement drew strong criticism from former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher:
I know Bobby & his family well, he’s young & at that age we all want everything right now. Played for the 1st team in pre season which is a great start & he should try & develop this season & maybe make the bench in Caraboa Cup. That should be the advice you’re giving him you 🤡 https://t.co/RqXd9eupc1
Yet Duncan will now continue his career away from Liverpool at Fiorentina after sealing a deadline-day move.
His agent Rubie was not involved in the deal to take the youngster to Serie A, according to The Athletic's James Pearce:
Saif Rubie wasn’t involved in the deal being agreed for Bobby Duncan between #LFC and Fiorentina. Understand it was brokered by his former agent Rob Segal, head of YMU Group.
The teenager has signed a three-year deal with Vincenzo Montella's men with the option of two more years, according toSky Sports News.
Franck Ribery Announces Fiorentina Contract After Bayern Munich Free Transfer
Aug 21, 2019
BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 25: Franck Ribery of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the DFB Cup final between RB Leipzig and Bayern Muenchen at Olympiastadion on May 25, 2019 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Franck Ribery announced the next chapter of his career after officially joining Fiorentina on Wednesday:
Hello Fiorentina. 🙌🏼 A new chapter for me and my family is beginning. Blessed and happy to sign a new contract at a great club in a great city. 🙏🏼 Looking forward to the future with my new teammates and all the fantastic fans here. 💪🏼 #ForzaViolahttps://t.co/kIoVU6sxHL
Ribery joined the Serie A outfit after leaving Bayern Munich on a free transfer this summer. The French winger enjoyed a trophy-laden 12-year spell at the Allianz Arena, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2013.
Now 36, Ribery has signed a two-year deal after being convinced by former Bayern team-mate Luca Toni to join La Viola, per GianlucaDiMarzio.com (h/t Football Italia).
Ribery was also welcomed to the Artemio Franchi Stadium by Kevin-Prince Boateng:
The midfielder has also moved to Florence during this summer's transfer window, joining from domestic rivalsSassuolo.Ribery's is the more high-profile arrival, though, as he gives managerVincenzoMontellaa proven and consistent winner at the highest levels of the European game.
Riberyplayed alongside some premium talent in Munich, includingPhilippLahm, Thomas Muller and RobertLewandowski:
9 & 24 - Franck #Ribery won 9 Bundesliga titles (more than any other player) and won 24 titles with FC Bayern (he ranks 1st in their history even in front of record holder Oliver Kahn, who won 23 titles). Musketeer. pic.twitter.com/4Ce8KLxGo2
He formed a deadly partnership with fellow wing wizardArjenRobben. Their combined pace, vision and shooting power from the flanks served as the platform for Die Roten's serial success during the early part of this decade.
The purple patch reached its peak with a treble ofBundesliga,DFB-Pokal and Champions League titles to cap the 2012/13 campaign.Ribery's influence has waned somewhat since with PepGuardiola, CarloAncelottiand NikoKovacsucceedingJuppHeynckesin the dugout.
Heynckesenjoyed a brief return during the 2017/18 season, butKovac's arrival last summer became the cue forBayernto refresh options on the wings. The process led to the emergence of KingsleyComanand former Arsenal forward SergeGnabry, who has already started the new season as well as he finished the last:
Serge Gnabry created more chances (5) for Bayern Munich than any other player on the pitch.
Riberyno longer had a place atBayern, but he can be an invaluable asset forFiorentina. Specifically, his experience will aid the development of 21-year-old FedericoChiesa, a rising star who is effective from the flanks.
Fiorentinawill count onRibery's presence to focus a group needing to improve on last season's disappointing 16th-place finish.
Report: Federico Chiesa Asked New Fiorentina Owners for Transfer, Wants Juventus
Jul 23, 2019
FLORENCE, ITALY - MAY 11: Federico Chiesa of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 11, 2019 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Federico Chiesa reportedly met with Fiorentina's new owners to express his desire to leave the club in the hopes he can secure a transfer to Italian rivals Juventus.
Barone is understood to have told Chiesa, 21, that Commisso wants to fulfil his promise to the fans in keeping the winger for at least one more season, despite rumours he already has a five-year agreement with Juve.
Chiesa was a key player for hosts Italy at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship this summer, scoring one of the best goals of the tournament when they defeated eventual champions Spain in the group stage, via Soccer AM:
Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) reported that a €5 million-per-year contract is in place with Juventus.
Fiorentina's star has established himself as one of the most promising prospects in Serie A, having already earned 13 senior caps for Italy since his debut in 2018.
The Azzurrini were shock first-round departures from the group stage of the Under-21 Euros, finishing second to Spain in Group A.
Chiesa stood out with three goals from three matches during that short-lived run, contributing another terrific strike in the dying minutes of their 3-1 win against Belgium:
Manager Vincenzo Montella recently hinted at his dissatisfaction with the current situation. He told reporters Chiesa and Nikola Milenkovic were "going to have to play" in Thursday's pre-season friendly against Benfica because they're "contractually obligated" to feature for at least 30 minutes.
Rumours of an agreement with Juve suggests they're happy enough to negotiate for Chiesa, who would join an attacking corps in Turin including Cristiano Ronaldo, Douglas Costa, Moise Kean, Paulo Dybala and Bernardeschi.
That's without including Mario Mandzukic, 33, or Juan Cuadrado, 31, who could soon be considered surplus to requirements as their playing time is likely to diminish.
Juventus already spent €75 million to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax this summer, meaning funds may be running low if they're to also secure Chiesa's exit from Fiorentina.
Fiorentina Owner Pledges Not to Sell Federico Chiesa Amid Juventus, Inter Links
Jun 18, 2019
FLORENCE, ITALY - MAY 11: Federico Chiesa of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 11, 2019 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Fiorentina will not sell Federico Chiesa "even for €100 million," the club's new owner, Rocco Commisso, has pledged.
Per Football Italia, the 21-year-old winger, currently starring for hosts Italy at the the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, has been linked with both Juventus and Inter Milan.
However, Commisso, whose purchase of Fiorentina was confirmed earlier this month, has made it clear Chiesa will stay at the Stadio Artemio Franchi for at least another season, per Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia):
"I said on the day of my presentation that Chiesa represented Fiorentina in the national team. For me, he's the best. I won't sell him, not even for €100 million. We don't need the money. I've been told that he has no release clause in his contract. I want to keep Chiesa for at least another season, and when I say 'at least' I mean I'd like to keep him for longer, but let's see.
"I haven't talked to him yet, but I will in the next few days. Now we have to let him focus on Italy, but I'll talk to him soon. I want to meet him. When I make a promise, I keep it. How could I begin my adventure in Florence by selling the player who represents us in the national team? I hope Federico a great tournament, he's a player that excites me. He has passion and strength - characteristics I want to see at Fiorentina."
Chiesa joined La Viola's youth ranks in 2007 and made his senior debut in 2016.
BR Video
He has been a crucial part of the first team for the last two seasons, during which he has made 73 Serie A appearances, scored 12 goals and provided eight assists.
He is able to play on either flank or through the middle as a No. 10 or central striker.
Chiesa is still raw, but he has six senior Italy caps and scored twice for the under-21 side as they opened up their tournament with a 3-1 win over Spain on Sunday:
Federico Chiesa's game by numbers vs. Spain U21:
5 tackles won 3 successful take-ons 2 shots on target 2 goals
If he continues to star at the tournament and helps Italy to a successful campaign, he could well catch the eye of other top European clubs.
Juventus and Inter both have the financial clout to test Commisso's resolve if they are prepared to make a big offer, but it seems Chiesa will stay at Fiorentina this summer.
Remembering Fiorentina's Davide Astori One Year on from His Tragic Death
Mar 4, 2019
The sun was shining upon the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence last Tuesday as supporters began to arrive.
They came in small groups; men, women, children and elderly fans alike, entering the stand under the immense tower that dominates the landscape of the surrounding area. On the gate, stewards simply nodded and allowed everyone through, because for one day only, there were no tickets sold, no profit to be made and, in fact, no match to be played.
Just 24 hours before their Coppa Italia semi-final against Atalanta, Fiorentina had decided to hold an open training session at their stadium and allow supporters to watch. The club's Ultras had responded with a large banner in their previous game that read "tutti allo stadio"—"everyone to the stadium"—and at least 3,000 supporters heeded that call.
Once inside, they sang, clapped and cheered their team, but above all, they honoured the memory of former captain Davide Astori.
On March 4, 2018, the Italy international died in his sleep after a cardiac arrest at the age of just 31, a tragedy that deeply rocked Italian football.
As the anniversary of that devastating loss approached, the supporters were determined to pay tribute to their fallen skipper.
"Tomorrow we are going to do an amazing celebration," Fiorentina supporter Claudio Galardini told Bleacher Report during that training session. "It's going to be a surprise, but I can tell you that it's going to involve the whole stadium. As you can hear, Davide Astori is the reason for us to be very strong in the match tomorrow."
As he spoke, the Ultras launched into a song that has been chanted at the 13th minute of every Fiorentina game of the last 12 months, with the captain remembered every time the clock shows his shirt number.
It has been followed by applause from opposition fans on each occasion, and the team were determined to use the energy it created to achieve tangible success.
Midfielder Marco Benassi told Tuttosport that the players were desperate to win the Coppa Italia for Astori and to "try and ensure he is proud of us," with supporters looking to help them as they returned to the Franchi for the aforementioned semi-final clash.
Flags bearing their former captain's name and shirt number were in plentiful supply before kick-off, resulting in a wonderful display as the players took to the field.
"We decided to remember Davide today because it is almost one year since his death," Associazione Tifosi Fiorentini member Marco told B/R. "For us, it's a very important event, we want to remember him in this match and we want to help Fiorentina to a great victory to remember our captain.
"We would like to win the Coppa Italia so that we can give it to Davide," he continued. "At the training session, we wanted to help our players to feel strong so that they can give everything for him in the match."
They certainly tried, battling back from 0-2 down to earn a 3-3 draw that gives the Viola hope for the second leg on April 24, but this was a game that was about so much more than the final score.
"The Curva paid homage to a great person who is no longer here, but he is with us every Sunday, every Wednesday, every training session, every hour of every day," Federico Chiesa told RAI Sport (h/t Football Italia) as he left the pitch. "Davide is with us, he fights with us and we never give in, as we saw again today."
That sense of unity, of an unbreakable bond forged in the most tragic of circumstances, has been a constant theme for Fiorentina ever since Astori's death, with players and staff sharing countless examples of his importance to those he left behind.
"The lads and I have not yet recovered from this tragedy, because everything revolved around Davide," coach Stefano Pioli told Sky Italia during a tribute to the Italy international defender last week. "However, everything that happened made me not only a better coach, but a better man, too."
It is not just at Fiorentina where the loss was felt, either.
"This story of Davide, this human drama, teaches us that life should be lived with enthusiasm, with joy, appreciating everything that is given to us every day," Juventus boss Max Allegri—who coached Astori during their time at Cagliari—said later during the same show, while one of his current players went further still.
"Sometimes I think of him when I play with my daughter, of the idea that unfortunately Vittoria, Davide's daughter, can not have that luck," said Bianconeri skipper Giorgio Chiellini. "It's something that touches me, because our girls were a frequent topic of conversation when we were with the national team, something that we had in common and tied us together even more."
The anniversary was celebrated and remembered this past weekend, with every Serie A game marked by applause in the 13th minute, starting with Friday evening's match at Cagliari.
Another of his former clubs, the Sardinian outfit joined Fiorentina in retiring the No. 13 shirt in Astori's honour, and midfielder Paolo Farago told Sky Italia that he "remains in everyone's memory" and that Davide "left many friends in Cagliari."
It speaks volumes about the man Astori was that the former skipper's anniversary halted arguably Italy's most passionate derby on Saturday. Players of both AS Roma and Lazio stopped to stand and applaud along with fans, officials and coaches at the Stadio Olimpico to pay their own tribute to his cherished and precious memory.
Yet nowhere was the pain felt more deeply than in his Tuscan home.
"The only way I can explain this to you is to say that, for Fiorentina fans and all the people in Florence, to have lost Davide, the captain, it's like losing a member of your own family, like a brother, a father, or a son," Fabio Bonetti—a Viola Ultra—told B/R.
"If you then add the respect for Davide and all that he represents; a good guy, a good player, a good opponent, a member of the national team, but most of all a young father, a young husband, a young son...now you can imagine!"
But, as they proved at the open training session, those supporters are holding Astori close but looking to the future, with his memory driving the young team he left behind to new heights.
"Just as you would expect from any large family who has suddenly and tragically lost an important and much-loved member, the shock and initial disbelief took a long time to wear off," lifelong Fiorentina supporter and Italian football writer Chloe Beresford told B/R.
"People say that it takes a year and a day to fully comprehend a death of someone close to you, and Fiorentina supporters are nearing that anniversary by looking forward to a future with Davide proudly at the forefront of everyone's thoughts.
"This young side are determined to achieve something tangible in order to dedicate it to their former captain, yet his legacy is everywhere you look in the Renaissance city. The example that Davide set for us all is alive and well in Florence, his purity and goodness a living and breathing force inside all of those who are close to the team.
"Sometimes it's the most special and unique among us that leave us far too soon. Our job is to ensure that all they stood for continues to thrive and—having wiped away their tears—Fiorentina are honouring their cherished captain Davide Astori in the most poignant of ways."
Federico Chiesa Discusses €75M Valuation Amid Juventus Transfer Rumours
Feb 9, 2019
Fiorentina's Federico Chiesa smiles as he holds the ball during a Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Fiorentina, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Fiorentina starlet Federico Chiesa has said he won't let his reported €75 million valuation alter his focus amid links to the likes of Juventus and Manchester United, and he also discussed his father, Enrico Chiesa, and Viola legend Davide Astori, who died last year.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport magazine Sportweek (h/t Football Italia), the Italy international said any offers that arrive will be evaluated by La Viola above all.
He also pointed at his father, underlining the strong connection the family has with the club:
"It is a strange feeling if you think about it, but that is my secret, that I don't consider the transfer market valuation at all. I just try to focus on doing well on the pitch.
"Fiorentina will be the ones to evaluate any offers, if they come in. I am only in my third season as a professional football player, so I've achieved nothing yet.
"Fiorentina won the Coppa Italia in 2001, with Nuno Gomez and Enrico Chiesa upfront. It'd be wonderful to imitate Dad. I thank my parents for preparing me so well, including insisting that I learn English, as it comes in very handy when trying to communicate with foreign teammates. The coach wants us to speak Italian in the locker room, but sometimes I act as a hidden translator."
FLORENCE, ITALY - FEBRUARY 04: Federico Chiesa of Italy in action during a training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on February 4, 2019 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Enrico Chiesa spent his career hopping from one Italian club to the other but enjoyed some of his best years with Fiorentina.
He has instilled a strong love for the club in his two sons, who shared a special moment when Federico scored a goal in September:
Corriere dello Sport recently linked the 21-year-old with a host of top clubs, including United, Juventus, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich (h/t TalkSport'sSean O'Brien).
He's been linked to Juventus for some time already, and La Stampa previously reported the Bianconeri secured an option on his signature when they sent Marko Pjaca to Florence (h/t Calciomercato.com).
Sportswriter Liam Canning hopes Chiesa ends up at United instead:
Just a casual hat-trick for Federico Chiesa tonight against Roma. Should most certainly be one of the leading candidates for Manchester United's right wing. Only 21.
Chiesa has long been regarded as one of Italian football's finest talents, and he's in the midst of a breakout campaign. He's scored seven goals since the start of 2019, including a hat-trick in a Coppa Italia win over AS Roma.
The winger appears to be maturing at a fast rate; where he previously relied mostly on his technique and athleticism, he's been playing with more patience and far better vision of late. Chiesa no longer makes countless mental mistakes and instead shows a high degree of football intelligence on the pitch, leading to more looks in better positions.
All of that is good news for Fiorentina, who have committed to several talented youngsters―including Diego Simeone's son Giovanni Simeone―and are determined to build around their youth.
There has been no indication Chiesa is looking to leave the club, and sports writer Chloe Beresford doesn't believe an exit is imminent:
5) An ode to the potential of #Fiorentina youngster Federico Chiesa and why it's likely he will stay put at least in the short-term.https://t.co/e9GpNrIGZk
Chiesa spoke about his relationship with Astori and how the Fiorentina captain helped him in his development prior to his death in March of last year:
"If Davide was still here, I'd tell him, you know when you would come to give me advice during training retreats? You kept saying: 'Fede, at times a simple, even banal, move can be the best solution for the team.'
"I would listen and stay silent. I just want to tell you, my captain, that you were absolutely right."
According to Football Italia, Chiesa and Astori were close.
Fiorentina are unbeaten since December 26 and will face Napoli in Serie A on Saturday.
