Mutu’s friendly fire Sunday 30 July, 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adrian Mutu enjoyed a dream start in a Fiorentina shirt as he fired a brace in the Viola’s 2-0 win over Greek side Aris.
A bumper crowd of around 20,000 flocked to the Stadio Artemio Franchi and gave the Romanian a hero’s welcome.
He repaid their faith with a crisp first half strike and an excellent free kick after the break.
Mutu joined the Gigliati this summer from Juventus for around £5.5m and has been received with enthusiasm by the fans.
By contrast, the want-away Luca Toni received an indifferent reception with no chants or banners from the Curva Fiesole.
Coach Cesare Prandelli was quick to stress the importance of the Viola tifosi in the coming season.
“We really appreciate the support,” the tactician said. “We’ve never needed the fans more than this season because it’s going to be a very tough campaign.
“It’s difficult to get 20,000 fans at the end of July in Italy.”
Elsewhere, there were several other top-flight outfits facing friendly action on Saturday.
Sampdoria took on Parma in an all-Serie A clash, the Blucerchiati running out 3-0 victors with a brace from Gennaro Delvecchio and a strike from Francesco Flachi.
Serie A newcomers Torino waltzed past Serie D Belluno with ex-Arezzo front man Elvis Abbruscato hitting four goals.
Reggina struggled with Serie C2A Pro Vercelli but ran out 3-1 winners.
The Bianche Cassache had held their Serie A opponents to 1-1 at half-time, but strikes from Simone Missirioli and Honduran striker Leon spared the Amaranto’s blushes.
Cagliari and Empoli were unconvincing in their pre-season clashes.
While the Sardinians edged out Foggia 2-1 with two goals in four minutes from Simone Pepe, Gigi Cagni’s Empoli fought out a dour stalemate with Serie C2B side Carrarese with players nearly outnumbering spectators.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul30b.html
Please discuss