Mastantonio's 'Hat-trick' Leads Fiorentina to Victory

Fiorentina climbed out of the bottom spot after securing their first victory under new coach Paolo Vanoli, defeating hosts Venezia 4-2 in a match featuring a hat-trick from their Argentine international striker Franco Mastantuono, on loan from Spanish club Real Madrid. The game took place yesterday in the opening round of Serie A’s fourth matchday.

Venezia took the lead through Nigerian international Akor Adams in the 22nd minute, but Fiorentina responded with four goals from Argentine players: Mastantuono scored in the 29th, 30th, and 84th minutes, while Matteo Pellegrini added another in the 66th. French forward Antoine Mendy pulled one back for the hosts in the 86th minute.

This was Fiorentina’s first win after three consecutive defeats that prompted the club’s management to dismiss former international defender Fabio Grosso and turn to their former technical director, Vanoli, who had guided them to survival the previous season. Vanoli had replaced Stefano Pioli last November when the team was languishing in last place with just four points from ten matches. Under his leadership, Fiorentina finished the season in 15th place and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Although Vanoli, who has previously managed Venezia and Torino, was expected to extend his contract for an additional season after ensuring their survival, Fiorentina’s board decided in June to hand the reins to Grosso, who was then in charge of Sassuolo. However, Fiorentina began their Serie A campaign disastrously, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Roma in the opening round, followed by home losses of 3-0 to newly promoted Frosinone and 2-1 to Torino.

Fiorentina temporarily rose to 15th place with three points, while Venezia suffered their third consecutive loss and dropped to last place without any points.