On Friday last week, representatives from Fiorentina’s Curva Fiesole announced that they would mark the one year anniversary of the tragic death of Davide Astori during the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal versus Atalanta on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

The captain passed away on March 4, 2018, and the supporters will be keen to remember him as well as to honor the courageous way Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli and his players have continued since the terrible events of that day.

“On Wednesday versus Atalanta, the Curva Fiesole will stage a spectacular show of choreography in honor of Davide, that will involve the entire stadium,” a statement from the club’s Ultras read. “A year later, his memory is alive in all of us. Before the match, at the entrances of the various sectors of the stadium, the fans will find a feast of flags for the choreography.”

It is therefore impossible to preview this encounter without mentioning what will come before it, as it is very clear that these events will be extremely significant in the context of what is to follow. It is no secret that the Viola are focussed on winning the competition on May 15, as Pioli has already admitted it remains the No. 1 target for them this season, and that the players are determined to be victorious in order to dedicate the trophy to Astori.

Meanwhile Atalanta will prove to be a determined opponent and must not be underestimated. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men are tenacious in the extreme and have proven their doubters wrong against all the odds on countless occasions since the veteran took over at the beginning of 2016-17.

Yet La Dea have won none of their last six encounters with Wednesday’s opposition at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, and they must take care not to lose by a margin that would be insurmountable in the second leg, even considering their strength at home. 

Both teams should have almost full-strength sides available, making this a fascinating and unmissable start to the Coppa Italia semifinals. 

Canadian viewers can watch Fiorentina-Atalanta as well as Lazio-AC Milan right here on FloFC.

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