One thing is already clear: the partnership between Dodo and Kean is working. The friendly match against Hull City ended in a 2-2 draw, with both the Brazilian and the former Juventus player finding the net and assisting each other. Following a 1-1 draw against Bolton and a defeat against Preston earlier this week, Fiorentina wrapped up their tour in England with another draw, despite having taken an early two-goal lead.
Coach Raffaele Palladino set up his team in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Terracciano in goal and a defensive line including Kayode, Pongracic, and Ranieri. Dodo played on the right and Biraghi on the left in midfield, with Mandragora and Barak filling the central roles, while the latter was adapted as they await reinforcements in the transfer market. Up front, Kouame and Brekalo supported Kean as the central striker. New signing Andrea Colpani was left in the stands, needing more training before joining the matches.
The best chances in the first half came from Moise Kean, who had three headed opportunities that either missed the target or were saved by Hull City’s goalkeeper, Pandur. The forward became instrumental as an assist provider when Dodo scored to open the scoring in the 29th minute. Kean then added his own name to the scoresheet just after halftime, converting a cross from Dodo.
Hull City managed to pull one back through Omur with a direct free kick, and Longman leveled the match at 34 minutes, taking advantage of a mistake by Terracciano. Notably, Milenkovic, the recent ex-Fiorentina player now with Nottingham Forest, was in attendance for the match.
Tomorrow morning, Palladino’s squad will have their last training session in England before returning to Florence in the afternoon. They are also expected to welcome back Amrabat and Martinez Quarta, who are returning from vacation for medical check-ups and training sessions.
