In a surprising turn of events, Fiorentina's star striker Moise Kean has left the team's retreat just 24 hours before their crucial match against Cagliari, scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 18:30. The forward departed for Paris citing family reasons, leaving a significant gap in the Fiorentina lineup as they head into this pivotal fixture.
The match at the Unipol Domus is a vital encounter for both teams, with implications for the Serie A standings, particularly in the fight for survival and European qualification. Originally set for Easter Monday, the game was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis, forcing Fiorentina to remain in Sardinia for an extended period.
Kean's absence is a significant blow for Fiorentina, as he has been a key player this season, netting 17 goals in Serie A. His departure was confirmed by the club, which stated, "ACF Fiorentina communicates that the player Moise Kean had to leave the Cagliari retreat due to family reasons and will not be among those available for the match this afternoon. The player will return to Florence in the coming days." This announcement came shortly after Kean met with club president Rocco Commisso, raising further questions about the nature of his departure.
With Kean unavailable, head coach Raffaele Palladino is set to make adjustments to his attacking lineup. Lucas Beltran is expected to step in, partnering with Albert Gudmundsson in a 3-5-2 formation. The change comes at a critical time, as Fiorentina looks to maintain their momentum in a league where every point counts.
Fiorentina's probable formation for the match includes goalkeeper David de Gea, and a defensive line featuring Pongracic, Pablo Marì, and Ranieri. The midfield will likely consist of Dodo, Cataldi, Mandragora, Fagioli, and Parisi, with Beltran and Gudmundsson leading the attack. This lineup reflects Palladino's strategic approach, particularly in the absence of a proven goal-scorer like Kean.
Cagliari, on the other hand, is also feeling the pressure as they aim to secure their place in Serie A for another season. With recent performances showing promise, the team will be looking to capitalize on Fiorentina's weakened attack. Coach Davide Nicola has confirmed that key players like Luperto will return, while Alessandro Deiola remains suspended.
The stakes are high for both teams. Cagliari is coming off a strong performance and will look to build on that momentum. Meanwhile, Fiorentina's record without Kean has been mixed; they have won two of the three previous matches he missed this season, showcasing their resilience as they adjust to his absence.
As the match approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Fiorentina will respond to this sudden challenge. Will Beltran and Gudmundsson step up to fill the void left by Kean? Or will Cagliari take advantage of this unexpected turn of events? The answer will unfold at the Unipol Domus as both teams vie for crucial points in the Serie A race.
The match kicks off at 18:30, and with both teams aware of the implications, it promises to be an exciting encounter that could have lasting effects on the league standings.
