Explore how Fiorentina are rising in Serie A 2025 with smart tactics, top players, and consistent form. Can they secure a Champions League spot?

Fiorentina’s Rise: How They’re Becoming a Top-Four Threat

The 2024/25 Serie A season has been filled with surprises, and one of the most compelling stories is the resurgence of Fiorentina. Long overshadowed by the league’s traditional giants, the Viola are mounting a serious challenge for a top-four finish — and with it, a coveted UEFA Champions League spot.

Through intelligent recruitment, a clear tactical identity, and a blend of youth and experience, Fiorentina are proving they can compete with Italy’s best. Their growth isn’t just a short-term run of form; it’s the result of years of planning and rebuilding — and now, the Pragmatic Play world is taking notice.

In this article, we’ll break down the key elements behind Fiorentina’s rise, from coaching philosophies to standout players, and assess their chances of finishing in the top four of Serie A this season.

A Club Reborn: Fiorentina’s Strategic Overhaul

Following years of mid-table mediocrity, Fiorentina’s management, led by Rocco Commisso and sporting director Daniele Pradè, embarked on a long-term project to rebuild the club. Instead of chasing quick success, they focused on:

• Developing a tactical identity

• Promoting youth and buying smart

• Retaining key talents

• Hiring the right manager for long-term success

These foundational decisions are now bearing fruit in 2025, with the team showing impressive cohesion and tactical maturity.

Vincenzo Italiano: The Tactical Architect

Appointed in 2021, Vincenzo Italiano has transformed Fiorentina’s style of play. Known for his emphasis on possession-based football, quick transitions, and high pressing, Italiano’s philosophy mirrors that of Europe’s elite managers.

Key Tactical Traits:

• 3-5-2 / 4-3-3 Hybrid: Adapts based on opponent strength

• Vertical passing: Swift transitions through midfield

• Wing overloads: Full-backs and wingers creating 2v1s on flanks

• Pressing triggers: Initiating counter-press immediately after losing the ball

These strategies have allowed Fiorentina to dominate games and control tempo, a trait previously missing in the squad.

Squad Depth and Key Players

Fiorentina’s transfer policy has brought in technically gifted and tactically versatile players. Let’s look at the backbone of their success.

1. Lucas Beltrán (Forward)

A mobile striker with an eye for goal, Beltrán’s ability to drop deep and link play has been crucial in Italiano’s system. He’s among the club’s top scorers this season.

2. Giacomo Bonaventura (Midfield)

At 35, Bonaventura’s leadership, positioning, and experience are invaluable. He balances youthful energy in midfield with calm decision-making.

3. Nicolás González (Winger)

The Argentine is a constant threat on the flanks. His directness, pace, and crossing ability make him one of the league’s standout wide players.

4. Rolando Mandragora (Holding Midfield)

Shielding the backline and recycling possession, Mandragora has quietly become a vital cog in midfield transitions.

5. Pietro Terracciano (Goalkeeper)

Dependable and consistent, Terracciano has made crucial saves throughout the season, helping Fiorentina grind out important results.

Youth Development: The Heart of the Project

Fiorentina have placed a renewed focus on their youth academy and smart scouting. Promising talents such as Tommaso Berti, Michael Kayode, and Fabiano Parisi have been integrated into the senior squad. This balance of nurturing youth while leaning on experienced players is helping them compete on multiple fronts.

Statistical Strength: Fiorentina in Numbers

Here are some compelling stats that support Fiorentina’s top-four credentials:

• Expected Goals (xG): Top 5 in Serie A

• Possession Percentage: 3rd highest in the league

• Passing Accuracy: Over 85%, one of the best in the league

• Clean Sheets: Among the top in defensive stats

• Points Against Big Teams: Unbeaten against at least two of the top four

These numbers reflect the balance between defense and attack — a key to any side hoping to finish in the Champions League spots.

Performance Against Rivals

Fiorentina have performed admirably against direct top-four competitors:

• Win vs Napoli (2–1): Tactical masterclass with controlled midfield play

• Draw vs Milan (1–1): Maintained defensive shape under pressure

• Narrow loss to Inter (1–2): Competitive until the final whistle

• Win vs Roma (3–2): Showed resilience in high-tempo battle

These results show that Fiorentina can match — and often outplay — the best clubs in Italy.

Remaining Fixtures and Their Importance

Fiorentina’s run-in includes matches against teams in the bottom half of the table, which could help them pick up crucial points. However, they will also face:

• Atalanta (A)

• Juventus (H)

• Lazio (A)

Picking up even four points from these matches could significantly boost their top-four hopes.

European Commitment: Blessing or Burden?

Fiorentina’s involvement in the UEFA Europa Conference League poses a dilemma. While it gives players European exposure, the added fixtures could lead to fatigue and injuries.

However, Italiano has rotated smartly, and their squad depth — especially in midfield and defense — is helping them manage multiple competitions effectively.

What They Need to Secure Top Four

To finish in the top four, Fiorentina will need to:

1. Maintain home form — They’ve made the Artemio Franchi a fortress.

2. Avoid slip-ups against smaller teams — Something they’ve been prone to in past seasons.

3. Stay injury-free — Especially to key players like Beltrán and González.

4. Win crucial head-to-heads — These six-point clashes are pivotal in tight races.

Can They Do It? The Verdict

Based on current form, tactical consistency, and a favorable fixture list, Fiorentina have a real chance of finishing in the top four. With Inter Milan and Juventus likely securing the top two spots, the real competition lies between AC Milan, Roma, Atalanta, Bologna, and Fiorentina for the remaining Champions League places.

The Viola’s momentum, squad balance, and tactical clarity put them in a strong position. If they continue on this path, 2025 could mark Fiorentina’s return to Europe’s biggest stage — and a permanent seat at Italian football’s elite table.

Final Thoughts: A New Era in Italian Football?

Fiorentina’s resurgence is not just great news for their fans — it’s a win for Serie A and for football. Their rise represents a broader narrative in Italian football, where smart planning and tactical innovation can challenge tradition and hierarchy.

As Fiorentina aim for the Champions League, fans of Italian football should celebrate this new chapter. It’s stories like these that make the sport beautiful — underdogs challenging giants, youth meeting experience, and passion driving performance.

If you love football, now’s the time to support Fiorentina and clubs like them that are reshaping the Serie A narrative. Let your voice be heard, celebrate the game, and keep the passion for football alive!