Italian journalist Massimo Franchi, writing for Tuttosport, speculated about Alexander Kokorin’s participation in Fiorentina’s opening Serie A clash against Genoa. The veteran striker’s availability has become a talking point as Fiorentina prepares for the new season, with various voices weighing in on his condition and role within the squad. Franchi’s analysis highlights the tension between Kokorin’s contract status with the club and his on-field fitness, a discussion that mirrors broader debates in Italian football about player rehabilitation and squad integration after long lay-offs or transfers.
According to Franchi, Kokorin’s presence on the field in the season opener is not guaranteed. The journalist suggests that Fiorentina may opt for a cautious approach, given the striker’s recent history with the club and the need to maintain cohesion among teammates who have trained together throughout pre-season. The report contrasts Kokorin’s situation with that of players who faced different circumstances, pointing out how some stars have seen their roles evolve rapidly while others require more time to regain peak match sharpness.
Kokorin moved from Spartak Moscow to Fiorentina in 2021, a transition that placed him in a new league with distinct tactical demands. The forward previously made his mark in Russia with teams such as Zenit Saint Petersburg, Sochi, Dynamo Moscow, and Anzhi Makhachkala, showcasing pace, technical ability, and an eye for goal that attracted attention beyond the domestic league. His career in Russia established him as a known quantity in European football, and his time abroad has been characterized by periods of intense competition for a starting berth combined with moments of impactful performances.
Last summer Fiorentina sent Kokorin on loan to the Cypriot club Aris for a twelve-month spell. That loan was part of a broader strategy to keep him match-fit and exposed to regular competitive action, with the expectation that the experience would translate back to the Italian side upon his return. In the completed campaign in Cyprus, Kokorin contributed 11 goals across 27 appearances, illustrating his capability to influence games when fully integrated into a team’s attacking framework. Beyond the numbers, his performances helped Aris secure important results and provided valuable experience in a different footballing environment.
Looking ahead to Fiorentina’s schedule, the club is set to travel to Genoa for the season’s early phase. The match, one of the opening fixtures of the campaign, is scheduled for a late-evening kick-off, local time, with fans and analysts watching closely how Kokorin will fit into Roberto’s system and whether he will be deployed from the outset or used as an impact substitute. The club’s plans for the frontline will likely reflect ongoing assessments of fitness, chemistry with teammates, and the evolving tactical approach chosen by the coach to maximize the squad’s threat in the final third.
In broader coverage, coaches and pundits have weighed Kokorin’s potential contributions for Fiorentina, considering his strengths in link-up play, movement off the ball, and finishing instinct inside the box. His ability to press from the front, create space for teammates, and convert chances could play a decisive role if he can regain full match readiness. As with all players returning from time away, the initial weeks of the season are crucial for establishing rhythm, timing, and confidence in the goal-scoring zones, especially against defensively organized opponents in Serie A. The ongoing evaluation within the squad will determine whether Kokorin features prominently from the start or gradually increases his involvement as he builds match fitness. [citation needed]