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Grosso backs Fiorentina to compete with Roma despite Gasperini's achievements
·23 August 2026·45d ago

Grosso backs Fiorentina to compete with Roma despite Gasperini's achievements

Source: Roma News

Fiorentina manager Fabio Grosso addressed reporters on 23 August ahead of Roma-Fiorentina, the opening fixture of the 2026-27 Serie A season, in what will be his official debut on the Fiorentina bench. Grosso confirmed that all squad members are available and physically ready for the challenge, with forward Kean fit both physically and mentally. He acknowledged Roma's strength under Gasperini but expressed confidence in Fiorentina's ability to compete: "We know the opponent's qualities and what awaits us. We prepare ourselves to counter and put our qualities on the pitch. The opponents are good, they had a great season and a very clear coach. Many characteristics make the fixture difficult, but difficult things if you throw yourself into them can become even more beautiful."

Grosso also addressed the transfer market, stating that Fiorentina are on track with the club's plans. "We go hand in hand with the club. In the days before matches we focus on the priority aspect and the players we have. In these days we have talked little about the market, but we remain where we were. The squad needs filling in some points," he said. He outlined his defensive approach, noting that he prefers to position his defenders in their favoured roles rather than focus solely on containing specific opponents. "We have four centre-backs with different experience and characteristics. The skill is making the players who take the pitch express themselves well."

Grosso reflected on his appointment as an emotional moment rooted in his deep passion for the work, while emphasizing the scale of the challenge ahead. He described Fiorentina's project as one requiring time and collective effort to rebuild competitive status. "We are aware of being many new things, we must blend together to walk together with a precise identity and a real squad," he said.

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Story Coverage4 sources on this story

Fiorentina manager Fabio Grosso has declared his squad fully fit and ready for tomorrow evening's Serie A opener against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on 23 August, Grosso confirmed that all injury concerns have been resolved and that his players are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. He highlighted forward Kean as particularly well-positioned for the fixture, and noted he has excellent attacking options across his four-man forward contingent—Kean, Pellegrino, Gudmundsson, and the developing Mastantuono—to rotate across his three attacking positions.

Grosso acknowledged Roma's strength under manager Gian Piero Gasperini and the difficulty of playing away at the Olimpico, where over 65,000 spectators are expected. However, he expressed confidence in Fiorentina's ability to compete. "The opponents are strong, they had a tremendous season and have a very clear manager," he said, "but difficult things, if you dive into them and try to stay inside them, can become even more beautiful." On his defensive setup, Grosso indicated flexibility, noting he has four centre-backs with different experience and characteristics and prefers positioning players in their favoured roles rather than focusing solely on tactical containment.

Grosso also stressed Fiorentina's responsibility to the supporters and the club's ongoing transfer plans. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum building in Florence while acknowledging that squad depth needs addressing in attack. Il Romanista reports that Roma will kick off at 20:45 on 24 August, with gates opening at 18:45, and notes the club's continued community initiatives including accessibility services for supporters with disabilities and a "Food for the Community" partnership with Caritas diocesana di Roma.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“A poco più di 24 ore da Roma-Fiorentina, prima giornata di campionato, il tecnico viola Fabio Grosso ha parlato in conferenza stampa per presentare la gara, che segnerà il suo esordio ufficiale sulla nuova panchina. Queste le sue dichiarazioni: Sulla condizione della squadra: “Stiamo bene.…”

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

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