Italy midfielder Pedro Gonçalves sees scarce minutes at Fiorentina

Pedro Gonçalves arrived in Italy on the last day of the transfer window, but the midfielder on loan from Sporting has logged only 84 minutes in a Fiorentina shirt, spread over five appearances. With no space in the Lisbon squad, he left Alvalade in search of minutes, but reality did not match the Portuguese international's plans.

Sparse use in official matches

Since his debut, the player has scored one goal in just 84 minutes, with his biggest involvement coming in the victory over Pisa in the Coppa Italia, where he played only half an hour. He is still awaiting his first start in the Tuscan side's starting eleven.

Coach Paolo Vanoli explained the situation: “I have a large squad and five substitutions at my disposal. Simply, from a tactical point of view, I thought it would be better to start Pedro. I expect more from him. It must be said that today’s game required a quick winger with physical ability and, in that sense, I only have Njie in the squad.”

In addition to the loan, Sporting has an agreement for the Portuguese player's permanent transfer for €22.5 million, conditional on 60 % of games being played and Fiorentina qualifying for European competition.

With the scarcity of minutes, Gonçalves finds himself on the bench, while the Italian club still assesses his tactical usefulness in the upcoming Serie A and cup matches.