Fiorentina Falls to Leicester in First Match of English Tour

ACF Fiorentina suffered their first defeat of the summer on Saturday, losing 2–0 to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in the opening fixture of their English tour.

As part of their pre-season schedule, the Viola are testing their form against top-tier English competition in preparation for the upcoming Conference League qualifiers. Head coach Stefano Pioli fielded a heavily rotated side, opting for a mix of young talents and backup players in the starting lineup. The decision reflected the team’s ongoing preparation phase, with many first-team regulars still building fitness.

Leicester, much closer to the start of their season in the Championship, took advantage of their superior rhythm, scoring both goals in the first half. Fiorentina struggled to create danger early on but showed more character in the final stretch after Pioli brought on key players, including Moise Kean, who earned a penalty shout late in the game after a handball in the box that went unpunished.

Goalkeeper Martinelli made several crucial saves to keep the scoreline in check, and the final minutes offered glimpses of better coordination as the more experienced core returned to the field.

Fiorentina’s English tour continues as they seek both tactical clarity and match fitness ahead of their European commitments. Their next friendly will provide another valuable test as they build toward the official season opener on August 21.

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