Vincenzo Montella’s Fiorentina side for will arrive at the Olimpico looking much the same as it did last year.Indeed, the similarities start with the coach from Pomigliano D’Arco, who embarks upon his third year at the helm of the Viola.

The roster boasts few new faces, given that the majority of the business done over the summer has consisted of loan deals and fringe acquisitions. There have been five new arrivals: Romanian goalkeeper Tatarusanu from Steaua Bucarest, Brazilian creative midfielder Octavio,from Botafogo, Australian midfielder Brillante,from Newcastle Jets, Argentine defender Basanta from Monterrey and finally attacking midfielder Marin from Chelsea.

On paper, in terms of track-record and international experience, the most useful signings for Montella will be Basanta (a starter at the back for Argentina during the last World Cup) and Marin (a talented player with excellent feet, if a little inconsistent).

On the subject of departures, there are nine players who have left the club: Brazilian forward Matos (Cordoba), Ghanaian central midfielder Acosty (Modena), right-winger Cassani (Parma), German defender Compper, and Croatian forward,Rebic (both Rp Lipsia),  defender Camporese (Bari), Danish forward,Zohore (IFK Göteborg), central midfielder Bakic (Spezia), and midfielder,Vecino (Empoli). The bulk of these outgoings – Matos, Acosty, Rebic, Camporese, Zohore, Bakic and Vecino – are loan deals and will enable Fiorentina’s prospects to develop away from the club.

In on-field matters, Montella is boosted by the return to full fitness of German striker Mario Gomez. The tactical style will remain true to that of last season with an emphasis on using strength in midfield to keep ball possession.

Cuadrado and Roncaglia will miss the season opener through suspension, whilst  Giuseppe Rossi is out injured.