Following Fiorentina’s 5th defeat in 6 outings, the fans have clearly had enough. The Curva Fiesole—currently in exile due to the permanently-delayed construction at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, which feels a bit too on the nose—released a statement on social media decrying the state of affairs and the club leadership that’s led there. Click the arrow on the embedded post to see the second page.
The statement reads:
“We’ve tried everything: the unconditional support, the diplomatic path, the suggestions.
We’ve tried to prod at the pride. Nothing has changed.
“Today, all the conditions are present to go down to Serie B, except one: US. If there’s anyone who’s decided not to give up, it’s only the fans.
“We find ourselves facing an embarrassing squad, made up of so many little men, without balls and without a spine. Chosen by the shittiest man this club has ever seen: Daniele Pradè, who is rumored to still frequent the offices of the Viola Park.
Really, Alessandro Ferrari? Is this seriousness? Is this courage?
“So many pretty words, so many false promises.
You found yourself leading a club like Fiorentina, despite not having the competence. It’s not your fault, but now take a step back. For our good.
“The technical department entrusted to Goretti, catapulted into this whirlpool, is the perfect mirror of your ambition: SERIE B.
“But the guiltiest party of this outrage has a first and last name: ROCCO COMMISSO, THE GHOST PRESIDENT.
“We’ve tried in every way to advise you, for the good of Fiorentina, to avoid meeting this situation. But let he who is the cause of his own misfortune cry himself. He abandoned us in our moment of need: this is the only truth.
“Upon the arrival of this ownership the entire city was disappointed. We’ve tried to keep the illusion as long a possible, hoping that after the Della Valle outrage something could truly change. Unfortunately it’s evident that this isn’t the case.
“For two years we’ve been trying to figure out what’s going wrong, what needs to change, how to relaunch. For years whoever’s lived for the shirt has seen the mistakes, the lies, the talking out the ass.
We trusted, and we were mistaken.
“But someone who won’t even take a flight to look at the disaster he’s created in the face, evidently he won’t ever understand.
“Is he sick? Trust competent and trained people, not this bunch of incapable men that he obstinately continues to defend. He doesn’t trust anyone? Then get out of the way. Sell. And save us from ending up like his last sporting venture.
“Yes, it’s very clear to everyone: we’ve been stalling recently for fear of damaging our beloved shirt, but we won’t allow this unworthy society to destroy all our dreams.
“Touchiness. Presumptuousness. Incapability of listening. Omnipotence. Arrogance. Self-reference. Here’s where you’ve brought us.
“President, if you’ve got a crumb of remaining dignity: put CALCIO EXPERTS in the club, make real and courageous choices, save Florence from a historic humiliation in the centennial year.
“We’re not a game, nor a nice entrepreneurial investment. After seven years, if it wasn’t clear to you, we repeat it to you.
“Last warning for the coach we found ourselves with, another great choice by the club, and for this squad of spoiled brats: the transfer window is in January. Are you scared? GET THE FUCK OUT. You don’t want to try? GET THE FUCK OUT.
“A clear agreement: either you stay and get us out of this situation, or you sink in our way along with us.”
I’ve been waiting for a statement like this for the past month or so. The fans have been uniformly supportive, calling for unity in the face of this unprecedented swoon, and have turned out in droves to support the team. Their faith and effort has been repaid with flaccid sulkiness from players who display no interest in turning things around and silence from a management and ownership.
The fans added that the Curva Fiesole will remain empty for the first 20 minutes of Sunday’s game against Udinese in protest of the club’s actions and inactions. Perhaps that will help Paolo Vanoli create the siege mentality that’s been lacking from his squad, allowing him to create an us-against-the-world narrative that inspires the players to an acceptable level of effort.
If not, this is just the first chapter of what could turn into a long and ugly story. Rocco Commisso has asked for patience and trust since arriving in Florence 7 years ago and has received both in abundance. If this is the beginning of the fans turning on him and the club, this could get much worse before it gets better. If it gets better. Just ask the New York Cosmos.
