“Firenze é magica” declared Fiorentina forward Luis Muriel in Sunday morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, already believing in the “magic” of Florence since his January move to the city. Perhaps his convictions allowed him to conjure a piece of alchemy of his very own that evening as a stunning free kick from distance was by far the best strike of all the six goals fired in during a 3-3 draw between the Viola and Inter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

It was a match filled with controversy over refereeing decisions and VAR that left opposition boss Luciano Spalletti furious after the match, his side having conceded a 101st-minute equalizer thanks to a penalty awarded for a questionable handball by defender Danilo D’Ambrosio. 

The rights and wrongs of the decisions could be argued forever by opposing supporters and neutrals alike, but for Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli and the Tuscan supporters, there was so much more to take from the match than merely one point. While Spalletti ranted and raved for what seemed like forever in his post-match press conference, his opposite number was calm and collected, happy to take the positives from what was a truly tumultuous night.   

Of course, Inter can rightly feel aggrieved that three points were robbed from them at the death, but their supporters should feel more worried that here is a team fractured and broken by internal divisions, a player in Matteo Politano that was reprimanded by teammate Ivan Perisic for his goal celebration and a coach clearly crippled by fear for his own future. 

In stark contrast, whether they win, lose or draw, Fiorentina stand together. 

“At the end of training, when we go for a shower, I see [David] Hancko and [Dusan] Vlahovic staying behind in the gym to work,” continued Muriel in the same interview. They are not starters but they have more enthusiasm than those who are. This is thanks to Pioli, who makes everyone feel important. He always smiles, and human relationships are more important than tactics. Nobody in the locker room ever complains.”

The joy shown between coach, players, and supporters has become an unbreakable bond, and Muriel is just the latest player to feel the affection. A sublime piece of skill by Federico Chiesa, or a salute to the late captain Davide Astori at the end of the match is something that results, refereeing decisions or indeed any form of negativity simply cannot detract from. 

The same simply cannot be said for opponents that they come up against. It’s true, Firenze é magica, and those who do not believe cannot ever take that feeling away from those who do. 

Chloe Beresford specializes in Serie A for a number of outlets and can be found on Twitter and on Facebook via her page CalcioByChloe.