Fiorentina have been at the center of a debate that has intensified in recent months, with the team constantly described as "one-step". The term, borrowed from athletics and cycling, describes a game that moves at a single speed, free from vertical jerks and unpredictability. This concept was revived by Florentine reporters and national figures, who highlighted the structural and tactical deficiencies of the Viola midfield.
AngeloGiorgetti, former reporter for LaNazione, underlined that the lack of "structural resonance" is rooted in the players who have made up the midfield over the years. According to him, the team has excellent setters and technically clean playmakers, but lacks the dynamism and physical strength necessary to "tear" the match. “Possession becomes predictable when you cannot attack vertically or jump the opponent,” explained Giorgetti.
LucaCalamai added that the problem is also of a tactical and market nature. When Fiorentina favors dribbling to the detriment of physicality and progression, the result is high possession but no scoring ability. “The breakthrough player is missing, the one who can change the pace in key moments,” observed Calamai.
The criticism intensified at a national level after the statements of Antonio Cassano, who accused the director Nicolò Fagioli of "one-step" and lack of offensive contribution. Cassano preferred the midfielder Andrea Locatelli, highlighting Fagioli's lack of verticality. The analysis of CherNdour, a young midfielder of the under-21 national team, highlighted a further limitation: his low speed and lack of decisive shots, which, combined with Fagioli and Marco Brescianini, create a static and predictable department.
To overcome this stagnation, Fiorentina will have to review their tactical structure, inserting players capable of guaranteeing changes of pace and unpredictability. Until then, the team risks being trapped in a sterile game and not achieving the desired leap in quality.