Fiorentina

Fiorentina is one of Italian football's most storied clubs, based in Florence and instantly recognizable by its purple kits. The club has long been associated with an attractive, technically minded approach to the game and a passionate supporter base at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Historically, La Viola has been a regular presence in the upper half of Serie A, winning the Italian championship in 1955-56 and 1968-69, and lifting the Coppa Italia on several occasions. Typically, the club sits among the league's strong chasing pack, competing for European places rather than the title in the modern era.

The current campaign, however, has been a difficult one. Through 10 Serie A matches, Fiorentina has collected two wins, two draws and six defeats, leaving the team with a goal difference of minus eight after scoring 15 and conceding 23. The recent form string of LLLWDLLLDW tells the story of an inconsistent run, with a brief upturn in the most recent fixtures offering a small sign of recovery under manager P. Vanoli.

For a deeper dive into the numbers, see our check the full breakdown.

The statistical profile points to defensive fragility as the central issue. Fiorentina has yet to keep a clean sheet this season, and conceding an average of 2.3 goals per match has put the side under constant pressure. Offensively, 15 goals in 10 games works out to 1.5 per match, a respectable output that suggests the attack is capable of creating chances, even though the team has failed to score in two outings. Home form has been especially troubling, with no wins from five matches at the Franchi, producing two draws and three losses. Away from Florence, the record is paradoxically stronger, with two wins from five. For a club built on attacking intent, tightening up at the back is clearly the key to turning the season around.