Game week 12 has just finished, Fiorentina find themselves in 3rd place. Ahead of the likes of teams such as Inter Milan, Juventus and Roma. With the 2nd best goal difference in the league, Fiorentina are flying. This article will dive into their excellent start to the 24/25 campaign.

The rejuvenation of Moise Kean

Moise Kean recently described his first season with Fiorentina as “the most important season of my career.” He’s not wrong. The 24-year-old has had a rocky start to professional football ever since he burst into the limelight at Juventus in 2016. Back then, the Italian was widely tipped as one of the best young strikers in the world.

Since then, however, a disastrous move to Everton and an unsuccessful return to Juventus have left question marks over the striker’s ability. His €13 million transfer to Fiorentina offered Kean a fresh start in a new environment, and he has flourished. With eight league goals so far, he has already surpassed his previous best Serie A goal tally and is on track to beat his most successful return of 13 league goals at PSG.

The Italian, alongside a number 10—typically Fran Beltrán or Albert Guðmundsson—has been a lethal striker, showcasing an impressive array of physical talents. Over the last few years, his game has evolved. He still possesses the raw pace and power that were evident when he first appeared in Serie A for Juventus in 2016, but he has now bulked up; Kean is no longer the skinny teenager. His strength, which has come with age, was perfectly demonstrated in his hat trick against Hellas Verona, as he held off challenges and marked men for each of his goals, finishing tidily to cap an excellent performance.

His football intelligence is also notable, with his runs and poacher’s instincts highlighted by the fact that all his goals have come from inside the box, four of them within the six-yard area.

Kean has been the focal point for Fiorentina, with 11 goals in all competitions. He is currently second in the Capocannoniere (Serie A Golden Boot race), and Fiorentina will rely on the Italian to maintain his top form if they hope to secure a top-four Champions League finish.

Tactical Setup

Raffaele Palladino’s side has already beaten Lazio, Roma, and AC Milan this season. They currently have the second-highest goal difference in the league, behind only Atalanta. So far, they have scored 25 league goals while conceding just 10, demonstrating both their offensive and defensive strengths.

They typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bove and Adli as holding midfielders, both of whom have the fluidity and freedom to roam and push forward. These two have been excellent since their moves to Florence from Roma and AC Milan, respectively. Both players were pivotal in victories over their former teams, with Adli scoring against AC Milan and Bove providing a goal and two assists against Roma.

The pair have been superb. Just ahead, Beltrán and Guðmundsson have been dangerous in supporting Kean, with their free-roaming number 10 roles enhancing the fluidity of the midfield. Out wide, Colpani and Sottil have posed a threat, with Kouamé also proving effective on the wings.

They’ve been supported by Dodô and captain Biraghi at full-back. Both are highly attacking, while Gosens and Kayode—one of the most promising talents in Serie A—also provide excellent backup in wide positions.

Despite losing Nikola Milenković in centre back, Fiorentina have been solid at the back, with Martínez Quarta and Ranieri making the most appearances at centre back. The pair, alongside supporting acts from Comuzzo and Pongračić have been a large in the side holding the joint 3rd least goals conceded in the league.

David De Gea… Welcome back

Despite strong performances from the defensive line, one of the main reasons for Fiorentina’s stonewall defence is undoubtedly De Gea. The Spanish legend was, remarkably, without a club for over a year following his exit from Manchester United.

His return to professional football in Italy has brought back flashes of the De Gea of years past. His shot-stopping skills have shone through, and all the silly mistakes have (for now) been cut out. Even his distribution has improved significantly, with a superb assist for Moise Kean’s third goal against Hellas Verona.

Fans have fallen in love with the Spaniard, his superb performances have clearly been a huge part of Fiorentina’s defensive success. I mean look at what the fans think…

The keeper, who made 545 appearances for Manchester United, will be looking to cement himself as Fiorentina’s starting keeper for the next few years. I’m sure every football fan will agree that it’s excellent to see De Gea back in good form. His performance against AC Milan particularly highlighted his resurgence, with two penalty saves (hide your shock, Man U fans) and some outstanding saves that helped Fiorentina secure the win.

Fiorentina and Palladino have been excellent, and a new team competing among the established contenders is bringing a fresh, alternative storyline to the Serie A season. With players such as Adli and Bove being given chances to shine, Kean and De Gea experiencing something of a redemption season, and strong performances in the UEFA Conference League, Fiorentina are undoubtedly one of the most exciting sides in Europe right now.