As the highly anticipated clash between Fiorentina and Roma approaches, ex-midfielder David “Pek” Pizarro offered his insights on this weekend’s showdown between his former sides.
The Chilean, who spent six seasons with the Giallorossi and three at Fiorentina, shared his thoughts on the match and weighed in on Roma’s early season struggles.
“Fiorentina and Roma are coming into this match in completely different situations,” he told FirenzeViola.
“Even though they won against Dinamo Kiev, the atmosphere at Roma isn’t great right now. It seems to me that Juric, who hasn’t been at the club long, hasn’t yet found the right balance.”
“For these reasons, Fiorentina are the favorites—not only because of the Giallorossi’s struggles, but also because Palladino’s side is in great form. After a slow start, they’ve found a strong identity.”
Pizarro also commented on Roma’s coaching turmoil and the club’s decision to sack former teammate Daniele De Rossi after just four games into the 2024/25 season.
“It’s an inexplicable situation,” he said bluntly. “You can’t sack a coach after just a few games, especially one who spent the summer building the squad in his image.”
“In a well-run club, something like what happened to De Rossi simply doesn’t happen. That’s why I want to tell Fiorentina fans: hold on tight to [club president] Commisso!”
He continued, “Even if it’s from afar, he [Commisso] is very involved. He doesn’t run and hide when things aren’t going well, he speaks up and takes responsibility.”
“Meanwhile, the Friedkin’s in Rome never say a word. We barely know what their voices sound like.”
