ACF Fiorentina vs FC Barcelona: Match Preview

A preview of FC Barcelona's final game of the International Champions Cup, where they come up against Italian side, ACF Fiorentina.

So far, Barcelona have enjoyed a mixed start to their preseason, winning one, losing one and drawing the other but the goal of preseason is all about fitness and not results. However, being the competitive team that they are the squad will be eager to secure the win.

Having played all of their preseason games in North America, this friendly will be Barça's first on European soil and they come up against Italian side Fiorentina. The clubs have met three times in their shared histories with Barça coming out victorious in all three.

The first meeting came back in the 1964/65 season and Barcelona walked away with a 2-1 aggregate win over the two legs. The meeting again saw the Catalans progress after two legs, having drawn the first game before securing a 2-0 away win.

The most recent meeting between the two sides came in 1999, with current Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal, in the dugout for Barça. The home tie was won 4-2 and current Barça manager Luis Enrique was on the scoresheet.

TEAM NEWS

BARCELONA

Luis Enrique has been using these preseason games to test the water in terms of which players he will use in the upcoming season. Enqriue has been more than willing to experiment with youth as well with the likes of Sergi Samper, Gerard Gumbau, Alen Halilovic, Munir El-Haddadi and Sandro Ramírez all getting game time.

That youth has been recalled for this clash as well as the experienced players such as Andrés Iniesta, Gerard Piqué, Ivan Rakitić and Luis Suárez.

However, despite returning to training early this week, the Copa America players haven't been named in the squad meaning the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar will sit this one out.

In goal, Marc-André ter Stegen and Jordi Masip retian their places with Claudio Bravo still on holiday. The rest of the team is made up by Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba, Thomas Vermaelen, Sergio Busquets, Rafinha Alcântara, Sergi Roberto and Pedro Rodríguez.

FIORENTINA

The Italian side have recently let ex-Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez go but are confident in the abilities of Paulo Sousa and Giuseppe Rossi for the upcoming Serie A season. The Italians have also strengthened their midfield with Atlético Madrid favourite Mario Suárez joining last week.

FORM GUIDE

BARCELONA - WLD

FIORENTINA - LD

LAST MEETING

ACF Fiorentina 3-3 FC Barcelona - 2nd of November 1999 - UEFA Champions League

Having both progressed to the next stage, the teams shared the spoils with a 3-3 draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen, Bartra, Piqué, Vermaelen, Alba, Rakitić, Busquets, Iniesta, Pedro, Suárez, Munir

Fiorentina (4-4-2): Sepe, Basanta, Rodriguez, Tomovic, Ilicic, Vecino, Alonso, Joaquin, Valero, Babacar, Bernandeschi

MATCH PREDICITON

It's always hard to predict preseason results but I fancy Barça to get back to winning ways with a 3-1 win.

Poll

Match result?

• Barça win
• Fiorentina win
• Draw

  0 votes | Results

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Sergi Roberto hoping for more playing time, says versatility can help

Young Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto was one of the stars of the team's preseason tour in the United States. The 23-year-old had more minutes than any other Blaugrana in the three friendlies so far, and he showed versatility by playing at midfield, his original spot, and as right-back, impressing in both positions.

With the injury to Douglas Pereira, Roberto becomes a viable option to serve as a backup to Dani Alves, since new signing Aleix Vidal can only play in January. Also, with the departure of Xavi Hernández and the debut of Arda Turan also scheduled only for the start of 2016, there is a giant window of opportunity for the young Spaniard to take advantage and truly evolve into the star that many think he could be.

Roberto attended a press conference before the trip to Italy for the friendly against Fiorentina, and he made it clear he's eager to get more playing time, and he hopes he did enough to prove that coach Luis Enrique can trust him and use him in many places next season.

"This is my third season with the first team and my second under Luis Enrique. I would like to have played more last season but now I can play in more positions and that gives me more options. I’m looking forward to it … I had never played at full back before, but to be honest, I quite like the poisition. All I want to do is play games and help the team, in whatever position I have to."

"I had a talk with the boss at the start of the preseason. And he told me that he had confidence in me. And without Xavi and with the option of playing at full back, I think that should mean more chances for me this season."

"We are all back now apart from Claudio Bravo. That’s good. The last ones to come back are in fine form and eager to get started … I hope we can win all six trophies this year. That would be some achievement. We are excited about the new season and just as optimistic as we were last year."

Source: FCBarcelona.com

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Seydou Keita on return to Camp Nou: "I had the best years of my life at Barcelona"

In just a few days, Barcelona will play the traditional Camp Nou opener, as they contest the 50th edition of the Joan Gamper trophy at home, this year against Serie A runners-up AS Roma. The match is attractive in many ways, but one of the most interesting reasons is the return of a Blaugrana great: Seydou Keita comes back to Camp Nou three years after ending his triumphant Barça career.

The Malian midfielder was one of the key members of the Pep Guardiola Era. One of the first names on the coach's mind to enter as a substitute, Keita offered a completely new style. Even though he was able to play the tiki-taka, his ability to come in as a replacement to any of the midfielders and add a lot more verticality and presence in the offensive box was always fundamental to the scheme.

Keita gave an interview to Barça's website to preview his return to what he calls home. He also talked about his current club, and how it will feel to play at Camp Nou again in front of fans who love him. Here's a few highlights:

How is the Italian experience going for you?
"Very well. Last year we had a good season, we came second in the league, although I have to say the second half of the season was difficult. We ended behind only Juventus, who made it to the final of the Champions League, so I think I can say it was a good season."

How are Roma preparing for the Joan Gamper and the season that’s starting?
"We know we’re playing the best team in Europe, the champions. So it is an important game for us. We’re playing against a top class team and there are just a few days to go before we start the official competitions. Roma is the kind of club that always aims to win some kind of trophy at the start of the season, whether it’s the league or cup. Juventus are obviously the favourites, but we have a team that can do even better than last season."

Since you left, this is the first time that you have come to the Camp Nou wearing a different shirt. How are you preparing for that moment?
"I’m happy. As it’s a friendly, there’s less pressure. So I can enjoy it more. I had the best four years of my life at Barcelona, both personally and as a player, and I’ll never forget that. The fans always treated me very well, they never booed me once. I would say that this is like a homecoming, back to the place where I won everything."

What do you think of the current Barça team?
"The season hasn’t started yet, but look at last season! They won the treble, so what more do I have to say?"

You were there for the first treble. What differences are there between that team and the one now?
"It’s hard to compare two very different times. Now they can win all six titles as well. But the most important thing is that they won the treble again."

Do you think Barça will be able to win all six trophies?
"Of course! It is much harder to win the treble than the sextet. It takes five games to win the two Super Cups and the Club World Cup, a lot less than winning the Champions League or la Liga. I wouldn’t say the job is already done, but they are very close and they have the squad to do it."

How would you define the Neymar Jr-Messi-Suárez forward line?
"Everyone knows it’s the best forward line in world football. It was unreal for them to score as many goals as they did last season. And it’s also unreal for a team to have three strikers of such class at the same time. Even with Suárez suspended for four months things worked out very well for them."

What is your fondest memory of your time at Barça?
"There are so many. I was probably there for the best four years in the history of the club. Plus I was lucky enough not to go through any difficult times on a personal level. So I’d like to remember all four years as a whole."

How would you like Barça to remember you?
"As a player that gave everything he had in the four years that he was there. Somebody who wore the shirt with dignity and who respected the club. That would be enough for me."

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Barcelona Squad Named for Fiorentina Friendly

We enter August, and Barcelona football is heating up! As we get closer to the start of the new season, the Blaugrana have one more friendly overseas before the Camp Nou opener. The Catalan giants will face two Italian teams in a span of four days, and the first one is Fiorentina, a game that will be played in the beautiful city of Florence.

For this game, Luis Enrique decided to use a similar squad to the one that toured the United States last week, with a few absences. Adriano Correia, Arda Turan, Jérémy Mathieu and Douglas Pereira are all injured and will not travel as a precaution from the medical team. Messi, Neymar, Mascherano and Dani Alves, along with Aleix Vidal will stay training at the club's facilities, while Claudio Bravo is still on vacation.

To form an 18-man squad for the friendly, Enrique called Sergi Samper and Gerard Gumbau from Barça B, and these are the players who will make the trip with him:

Goalkeepers: Marc-André ter Stegen, Jordi Masip

Defenders: Gerard Piqué, Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba, Thomas Vermaelen

Midfielders: Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, Rafinha Alcântara, Sergi Roberto, Sergi Samper, Gerard Gumbau, Alen Halilovic

Forwards: Pedro Rodríguez, Luis Suárez, Munir El-Haddadi, Sandro Ramírez

Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen

Roberto - Piqué - Vermaelen - Alba

Rakitic - Busquets - Iniesta

Pedro - Suárez - Munir

The match is on Sunday, at 21:00 CET, and you can join us at gametime to comment on the game.

VISCA EL BARÇA!

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FC Barcelona News: 1 August 2015; 18 Players Travel to Florence, Arda Turan Sprains Ankle

Saturday training and Florence squad revealed | FC Barcelona
Barça are off to Italy for the final game in the International Champions Cup, against Fiorentina at 9.00pm CET on Sunday. Luis Enrique will be taking 18 players with him, after deciding to leave behind the players that have only just returned from holiday, Messi, Neymar Jr, Mascherano and Alves, who will instead be training at 9.30am CET at the Ciutat Esportiva.

Double session completed | FC Barcelona
Thomas Vermaelen missed the morning session due to the birth of his child but returned for the later session and was received with applause from his team mates. In contrast Jérémy Mathieu was missing due to a cold. Samper and Gumbau also were absent in the second session of the day with both players rejoining Gerard López’s B squad. The injured Douglas and Arda Turan continued with their respective recoveries from injury.

Arda Turan sprains right ankle | FC Barcelona
Arda Turan twisted his ankle during Friday morning training and the verdict is that he has a second degree sprain in the external ligaments. He will now need to be subjected to more thorough testing which should shed more light on his availability over the next few days.

The best football is back! The 50th Joan Gamper Trophy! | FC Barcelona
Football at it’s very best! The Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday 5 August at 10.00pm CET is the first chance for the Camp Nou to see the team in action since winning the historic second treble last season. The opposition is one of the most historic sides from Italian football, AS Roma, who finished second in Serie A last term.

Fifty facts from fifty years of the Joan Gamper Trophy | FC Barcelona
In the summer of 1966, Barça president Enric Llaudet decided to start a summer tournament named after the club’s founder: Joan Gamper.

Luis Suarez doesn't consider himself in world's best players - ESPN FC
Luis Suarez doesn't feel he is one of the world's finest footballers despite forming one-third of the sport's most potent attack at Barcelona, he told ESPN FC in an exclusive interview. Despite missing the first two months of last season to suspension, Suarez contributed 25 goals and joined with teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar to score a record-setting 122 times in all competitions last seasons.

Adama at a career crossroads at Barca - ESPN FC
Barca do not want Adama Traore to become the next name on that list of failed projects. The forward is at a career crossroads. Barca B's relegation to the Spanish third division means there is little more for him to learn from the club's second team; the ideal option of alternating between Liga Adelante and first team appearances in cup competitions no longer possible.

Barcelona counting on Adama Traore amid Liverpool loan links - ESPN FC
Barcelona B coach Gerard Lopez is "counting on" Adama Traore to play in his squad this season amid reports that Liverpool want to sign the winger on loan. Adama, 19, made his La Liga and Champions League debuts with Barcelona's first team in November 2013 but has been a regular for the reserves since.

Barcelona ace Andres Iniesta: Playing with Lionel Messi is a privilege - Goal.com
Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the finest attacking midfielders of all-time, having been an integral member of a Blaugrana side that changed the game with its brand of 'tiki-taka' football, as well as cementing his place in history by scoring the winning goal in Spain's World Cup final win over Netherlands in 2010.

Laporta slams Bartomeu over UEFA fine | Football Espana
Joan Laporta has slammed Josep Maria Bartomeu for accepting Barcelona’s punishment in relation to pro-Catalan flags during the Champions League final. The 52-year-old, who lost out to Bartomeu in the club’s presidential elections on July 18, has also promised to "continue fighting" in order to prevent La Blaugrana "from being led by a prosecuted President".

La Liga news: Sky Sports 'set to lose Spanish football coverage to BT' | Metro News
Sky Sports have already lost rights to the Champions League to their big-spending rivals and, having failed to raise their offer for the La Liga deal, BT Sport now look set to capitalise on the situation. To add to their coverage of the Champions League and the Premier League, BT Sport also has rights to the Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1.

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FC Barcelona News: 1 August 2015; 18 Players Travel to Florence, Arda Turan Sprains Ankle

Saturday training and Florence squad revealed | FC Barcelona
Barça are off to Italy for the final game in the International Champions Cup, against Fiorentina at 9.00pm CET on Sunday. Luis Enrique will be taking 18 players with him, after deciding to leave behind the players that have only just returned from holiday, Messi, Neymar Jr, Mascherano and Alves, who will instead be training at 9.30am CET at the Ciutat Esportiva.

Double session completed | FC Barcelona
Thomas Vermaelen missed the morning session due to the birth of his child but returned for the later session and was received with applause from his team mates. In contrast Jérémy Mathieu was missing due to a cold. Samper and Gumbau also were absent in the second session of the day with both players rejoining Gerard López’s B squad. The injured Douglas and Arda Turan continued with their respective recoveries from injury.

Arda Turan sprains right ankle | FC Barcelona
Arda Turan twisted his ankle during Friday morning training and the verdict is that he has a second degree sprain in the external ligaments. He will now need to be subjected to more thorough testing which should shed more light on his availability over the next few days.

The best football is back! The 50th Joan Gamper Trophy! | FC Barcelona
Football at it’s very best! The Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday 5 August at 10.00pm CET is the first chance for the Camp Nou to see the team in action since winning the historic second treble last season. The opposition is one of the most historic sides from Italian football, AS Roma, who finished second in Serie A last term.

Fifty facts from fifty years of the Joan Gamper Trophy | FC Barcelona
In the summer of 1966, Barça president Enric Llaudet decided to start a summer tournament named after the club’s founder: Joan Gamper.

Luis Suarez doesn't consider himself in world's best players - ESPN FC
Luis Suarez doesn't feel he is one of the world's finest footballers despite forming one-third of the sport's most potent attack at Barcelona, he told ESPN FC in an exclusive interview. Despite missing the first two months of last season to suspension, Suarez contributed 25 goals and joined with teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar to score a record-setting 122 times in all competitions last seasons.

Adama at a career crossroads at Barca - ESPN FC
Barca do not want Adama Traore to become the next name on that list of failed projects. The forward is at a career crossroads. Barca B's relegation to the Spanish third division means there is little more for him to learn from the club's second team; the ideal option of alternating between Liga Adelante and first team appearances in cup competitions no longer possible.

Barcelona counting on Adama Traore amid Liverpool loan links - ESPN FC
Barcelona B coach Gerard Lopez is "counting on" Adama Traore to play in his squad this season amid reports that Liverpool want to sign the winger on loan. Adama, 19, made his La Liga and Champions League debuts with Barcelona's first team in November 2013 but has been a regular for the reserves since.

Barcelona ace Andres Iniesta: Playing with Lionel Messi is a privilege - Goal.com
Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the finest attacking midfielders of all-time, having been an integral member of a Blaugrana side that changed the game with its brand of 'tiki-taka' football, as well as cementing his place in history by scoring the winning goal in Spain's World Cup final win over Netherlands in 2010.

Laporta slams Bartomeu over UEFA fine | Football Espana
Joan Laporta has slammed Josep Maria Bartomeu for accepting Barcelona’s punishment in relation to pro-Catalan flags during the Champions League final. The 52-year-old, who lost out to Bartomeu in the club’s presidential elections on July 18, has also promised to "continue fighting" in order to prevent La Blaugrana "from being led by a prosecuted President".

La Liga news: Sky Sports 'set to lose Spanish football coverage to BT' | Metro News
Sky Sports have already lost rights to the Champions League to their big-spending rivals and, having failed to raise their offer for the La Liga deal, BT Sport now look set to capitalise on the situation. To add to their coverage of the Champions League and the Premier League, BT Sport also has rights to the Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1.

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La Liga News: 1 August 2015; Real Madrid Complete Jesus Vallejo Signing, Ciro Immobile Suffers Horrific Injury

Sky Sports 'set to lose Spanish football coverage to BT' | Metro News
Sky Sports have already lost rights to the Champions League to their big-spending rivals and, having failed to raise their offer for the La Liga deal, BT Sport now look set to capitalise on the situation. To add to their coverage of the Champions League and the Premier League, BT Sport also has rights to the Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1.

Van Gaal & United in De Gea discord? | Football Espana
Louis van Gaal has reportedly asked for David de Gea to be sold to Real Madrid as soon as possible, but Manchester United are unwilling to relent. According to AS, a deal for the goalkeeper is inching ever closer, with his performance during the 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday understood to be the manager’s final straw.

Real Madrid reach deal for Zaragoza Jesus Vallejo - ESPN FC
Real Madrid have reached an agreement for Real Zaragoza and Spain under-19 centre-back Jesus Vallejo, both clubs confirmed on Friday. The 18-year-old, who this summer captained Spain to victory in the UEFA Under-19 Championship, will sign a long-term contract with Madrid but will remain on loan with Segunda Division Zaragoza for the 2015-16 season.

Vallejo pens letter to Zaragoza fans | Football Espana
Real Madrid new boy Jesus Vallejo has expressed his gratitude to Real Zaragoza in an open letter on the club’s official website. The Spain Under-19 defender, who recently guided La Roja to Euro U21 glory, completed a €5m switch to Los Blancos on Friday, although he will spend one more season at La Romareda before beginning his career in the capital.

Real Madrid keeper Kiko Casilla Bernabeu return easy - ESPN FC
Goalkeeper Kiko Casilla says he has had no trouble adapting to his new life as a player at Real Madrid following his move from Espanyol. Casilla, 28, arrived at Real Madrid in a €6 million transfer on a five-year contract two weeks ago and joined his new teammates on their preseason tour of Australia.

Real Madrid injection of youth may force out fringe players - ESPN FC
Real Madrid on Friday afternoon announced the signing of Real Zaragoza central defender Jesus Vallejo on a six-year deal with the Spain under-19 captain, fresh from leading the side to European glory in Greece, to remain at the Segunda Division club on loan for the 2015-16 campaign.

Watford 0-1 Sevilla: Immobile injury overshadows Sevilla win - Goal.com
A worrying head injury sustained by Ciro Immobile overshadowed Sevilla's 1-0 friendly win at Watford on Friday. The summer loan signing from Borussia Dortmund suffered a blow to the head following a collision with goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes early in the first half at Vicarage Road, and he was subsequently treated by paramedics as the game was stopped for 10 minutes.

Sevilla striker Ciro Immobile insists he is 'fine' after suffering serious-looking head injury | Daily Mail Online
Sevilla striker Ciro Immobile has reassured fans he is 'fine' after suffering a serious-looking head injury in his side's pre-season victory over Watford. Immobile, on-loan from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, was left needing oxygen after just six minutes of the match following a clash with Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Alvaro Negredo insists he wants Valencia stay - ESPN FC
The Spain international, who played for the club on loan this past season from Manchester City and scored just seven goals in 36 official games, made a permanent move to the club earlier this month when Valencia's agreement to buy him at £20 million was activated.

Villarreal news: Bakambu likely in, Soldado more likely, Aleix Garcia out - Villarreal USA
The most firm news is Aleix Garcia is leaving, snapped up by Manchester City for €3m plus appearance bonuses and given a five-year contract (and I am sure much higher wages than Villarreal could provide). This is going to be a continuing problem for Spanish clubs, as EPL teams have so much money these days.

Official: Espanyol sign Roco | Football Espana
Espanyol have completed the signing of former Elche defender Enzo Roco on a season-long loan, with the view to a permanent deal next summer. Los Franjiverdes intended to retain the Chile international on a permanent basis, but the player rejected the move following the side’s demotion to La Segunda for non-footballing reasons.

Jemez furious with Zhang arrival | Football Espana
Rayo Vallecano boss Paco Jemez has expressed his fury with the signing of Zhang Chengdong, claiming it "suits me like a hole in the head". The winger became the first Chinese player to be signed by a La Liga club earlier in the month, but his arrival has not gone down well with the Coach, who recently threatened to quit his post following Los Vallecano’s humiliating defeat to second-tier Albacete.

Sarcevic spot on as Fleetwood beat Getafe - Fleetwood Weekly News
Antoni Sarcevic scored both goals from the penalty spot – as many as Town had netted in their five previous friendlies. There was a first Highbury appearance for defender Eggert Jonsson, who almost saw Town take the lead from an early Jimmy Ryan corner.

Official: Eibar loan for Baston | Football Espana
Eibar have completed the signing of striker Borja Baston from Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan. The 22-year-old finished as La Segunda’s joint-second highest goalscorer in 2014-15 with 23 goals for Real Zaragoza, who were ultimately pipped to the top tier in the playoff final by Las Palmas.

Official: Elche stay in La Segunda! | Football Espana
Marca reports a €2.9m payment was made to the tax office, consisting of donations from local businessmen and supporters, the latter of whom had their membership fees advanced. The other €1m, owed to players, was also written off by the players following an agreement with the AFE.

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