Thread by @GeorgeCScouting

Fiorentina: Opposition Analysis Thread.

Ahead of the upcoming UEFA Conference League final I have taken a closer look at West Ham's opposition, Fiorentina.

In this thread I will analyse them tactically and a few of the standout individuals.

Fiorentina primarily set up in a 4-2-3-1, but they stagger the double pivot with one being able to get forward and create overloads and the other looking to sit and screen the defence, preventing any opp. transitions.

Fiorentina's press is often their primary chance creator as they look to win the ball high up the pitch, using their intense man-to-man press.

They often start out in a 4-2-3-1 but then it quickly transforms into what is a 3-2-3-2 shape.

pic below is an example of the 3-2 shape

Should the opp. look to play out from the back Fiorentina will move into their 3-2-3-2 shape. They form this by having the ball-side winger jump to the on-ball CB. The ball-side FB will then jump to the opp. FB while their 9 cuts off the horizontal pass across the defence.

Both of Fiorentina's CB's (Igor and Milenkovic) are very comfortable defending wide areas and 1 v 1 situations allowing them to commit the ball-side FB.

Their CB's also step out from the back line should the opposition use a deeper lying forward/false 9.

In possession, they look to build out from the back in a variety of shapes (3-1, 3-2 and 4-2). When forming a back 3 the LB will usually be the one to drop in, forming the 3. Igor is often the primary progressor in the centre of the 3.

Milenkovic often looks to use his ability to create and manipulate passing angles by playing out-to-in passes into the players between the lines, whether that be into the pivot or players in more advanced areas.

When Amrabat plays they are a lot more likely to play a single pivot as he's very comfortable under 360 pressure, as opposed to players like Duncan who struggle more.

Individually, they have some top players. The main standouts were Igor, Milenkovic, Amrabat and Nico Gonzalez.

Igor is a left-footed Brazilian CB who is patient in build up but is also one of the sides primary tempo controllers. His physical attributes make him a huge asset when it comes to defending transitions, as he defends lateral and vertical spaces brilliantly.

Milenkovic is a mammoth of a CB and uses this to his advantage when it comes to defending aerially. He also uses his longer strides to defend transitions well. His aforementioned ability to create and manipulate angles is highlighted massively due to his role in their build up.

Amrabat is a true 6. He looks to couple his old-fashioned defensive ways with his modern ball-playing abilities, creating the best blend of both.

He looks to progress the play with short vertical passes to the advanced 8s/10 and longer sprayed passes to the wingers.

Nico Gonzalez is a left footed right winger that thrives on coming inside and getting his shots off. He often uses the overlapping run of his FB to create hesitance in his defenders head.

He provides a huge threat when provided space in and around the area.

In conclusion, Fiorentina definitely have the tools to pose us with problems. Hopefully we carry the excellent defensive performances of late into this as we cannot allow them to find space.

It's a game for Antonio as he will be used often to negate La Viola's man-to-man press.

End of thread.

Any likes or RTs greatly appreciated. #Whufc #COYI #UECL