Fiorentina-Palermo 0-0
Palermo fought tooth and nail to earn a precious point against uninspired Fiorentina and climb out of the bottom three. The Viola atmosphere was relatively subdued after an early Scudetto challenge evaporated to finish in fifth place. The Sicilians were highly-motivated, as after two consecutive victories they’d managed to claw their way level with Carpi in fourth-from-bottom. Alberto Gilardino was fired up to face his former club, partnered by Franco Vazquez, while the hosts missed Khouma Babacar and suspended Nenad Tomovic. Fiorentina had won their last five meetings with Palermo, home and away, undefeated since a 2-0 in Sicily in November 2011. The Rosanero had just six victories and two draws in Florence during 27 Serie A trips, the most recent 2-1 in October 2010. The Viola dominated possession, but struggled to break through, as Nikola Kalinic wasn’t expecting Giancarlo Gonzalez to hit a fresh-air clearance and only prodded the loose ball straight at the goalkeeper from six yards. Mauro Zarate skipped past Cionek only to curl inches past the far post, but Palermo went close when Franco Vazquez dived in, just unable to meet a Michel Morganella cross from close range. Kalinic slipped and still got a shot away, clipping the base of the far post for Fiorentina on 58 minutes. There was a standing ovation for Manuel Pasqual, who has not been offered a new contract and leaves Florence after 11 years. Davide Astori’s header tested Stefano Sorrentino from a corner and Mati Fernandez saw his free kick whistle inches wide. Bernardeschi’s cross-shot found Marcos Alonso at the back post, but at full stretch he failed to get the decisive touch.
Viola: 'Could be Pasqual's last'
This “could well be” Manuel Pasqual’s last Fiorentina home match, confirmed President Mario Cognini. The player will be out of contract at the end of the season and he complained that there was no signal from the club on a renewal. The Viola host Palermo on Sunday afternoon, so will it be Pasqual’s final game at the Stadio Franchi? “It could well be,” Cognini told FirenzeViola.it. “The sporting area of the club has not yet decided on his situation, so it will be done in the opportune moment and way.” The left-back recently turned 34 and has been in Florence since 2005, even wearing the captain’s armband. It looks as if the Italy international will leave Fiorentina with a whimper after 11 years.
Della Valle: 'Harmony with Sousa'
Fiorentina patron Andrea Della Valle had “a good chat” with Coach Paulo Sousa and assured “we never lost harmony.” The club owner arrived this morning for a meeting with Sousa, after which the tactician announced he was happy to continue working for the Viola. “It was a good chat with Sousa,” Della Valle told Radio Blu. “We want to build on those good sensations. Harmony is very important and we never lost it with Sousa. “The Coach is motivated and we discussed many different things. I hope for a positive solution, we will meet with (director Daniele) Pradè too and on Monday will plan the future. “Everyone seems to assume we’ve already qualified for Europe, but it needs to be confirmed tomorrow, seeing as we gifted fourth place. “After tomorrow’s game we will talk about the future and our projects, but first it is fundamental we lock down fifth against Palermo.”
Viola's new jersey 2016-2017 presentation