In a dramatic turn of events, Fiorentina faces a significant setback as they prepare to take on Cagliari in their rescheduled Serie A match today, April 23, 2025. The match was postponed due to the passing of Pope Francesco, and now, just hours before kickoff, the team must contend with the absence of their star striker, Moise Kean.
Kean, who has been a pivotal player for Fiorentina this season, has flown to Paris for personal reasons and will not be available for the match, which is set to begin at 18:30. This news comes as a major disappointment for coach Raffaele Palladino, who had hoped to field his best squad to maintain their push for European qualification.
With Kean sidelined, Palladino is expected to adjust his attacking lineup, likely pairing Albert Gudmundsson with Lucas Beltran in a bid to fill the void left by the prolific forward. Kean has been in sensational form this season, netting 23 goals across all competitions—17 in Serie A, 5 in the UEFA Conference League, and 1 in the Coppa Italia. His absence is felt keenly, especially considering he played a crucial role in Fiorentina's recent qualification for the Conference League semi-finals.
As the team arrived in Sardinia, the atmosphere was tense. Kean's departure from the training camp just before the match has left players and fans alike wondering about the reasons behind his absence. While some speculate it could be due to a lingering ankle issue that has troubled him, others suggest it might be a personal matter. The club has yet to clarify the situation, leaving many questions unanswered.
"It's a tough blow for us, losing our top scorer right before a crucial match," said Palladino in a pre-match statement. "We have to adapt quickly, and I have confidence in the players stepping up to the challenge. We need a strong performance tonight to keep our hopes alive for European competition next season."
Fiorentina's situation is compounded by the fact that they will also be without Andrea Colpani, who did not travel with the team. However, in goal, they will have David de Gea, who has recovered from a minor injury and is set to start. De Gea's presence will be vital as Fiorentina looks to secure a much-needed victory against Cagliari.
Cagliari, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on Fiorentina's misfortunes. They are eager to make a statement on home turf, and with the stakes high for both teams, this match promises to be an intense encounter. The rivalry between these clubs adds an extra layer of excitement, as both teams vie for important points in the league.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, fans are left to ponder how Fiorentina will adapt without their talisman. The attacking duo of Beltran and Gudmundsson will need to find a way to penetrate Cagliari's defense and create scoring opportunities. With the pressure mounting, every moment will count.
In summary, Moise Kean's absence is a significant blow to Fiorentina, who must now rally together to face a determined Cagliari side. The match kicks off at 18:30, and as the teams take the field, all eyes will be on how Fiorentina responds to this latest challenge.
