FIORENTINA starting XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea, Dodo, Comuzzo, L.Ranieri, Gosens, Cataldi, Adli (subbed for Richardson), Ikone’ (subbed for Colpani), Beltran (subbed for Parisi), R. Sottil (subbed for Gudmundsson), Kouame (subbed for Kean)
Bench: Terracciano, Martinelli, Kayode, Biraghi, Moreno, M.Quarta, Mandragora
Goals: Cataldi 24’
CAGLIARI starting XI (4-4-1-1): Sherri, Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello, Makoubou (subbed for Pavoletti), Marin (subbed for Adopo), Zortea (subbed for Felici), Obert (subbed for Luvumbo), Viola (subbed for Gaetano), Piccoli
Bench: Scuffet, Ciocci, Azzi, Prati, Palomino, Mutandwa, Deiola, Wieteska, Jankto
It was Fiorentina’s first Serie A match since Bove collapsed on the field during a game against Inter Milan last weekend and was placed in a medically induced coma.
The 22-year-old has been awake and alert since last Monday as doctors continue to investigate the cause of his collapse.
Cataldi found the top corner midway through the first half on Sunday (Monday AEDT) and that was all Fiorentina needed for their eighth straight win in the Italian league to match the club record set in 1960.
After he scored, Cataldi ran towards a TV camera, held up four fingers to match Bove’s No.4 jersey, then created a heart symbol with his fingers as he shouted, “I told you. I told you.”
“I texted him before the match, saying ‘Watch the game on TV because I’m going to score a goal into the top corner’,” Cataldi said.
“He said it was ‘impossible’. We’re pleased that he’s feeling well and about these three points.”
Fiorentina, who have a game in hand after the match against Inter was abandoned, moved level on points with third-placed Inter.
Fiorentina are three points behind new leaders Atalanta, who are on a nine-game winning streak, and one point behind second-placed Napoli, beaten 1-0 at home by Lazio.
AAP
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