Fiorentina snatched a crucial 1-0 away win against Hellas Verona, with Nicolò Fagioli's late goal and David De Gea's heroics proving decisive.
Fiorentina secured a hard-fought victory over relegation-threatened Hellas Verona at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi. Nicolò Fagioli's late strike sealed all three points, largely due to outstanding goalkeeping.
Hellas Verona, 19th in Serie A, desperately sought points. Fiorentina, 16th, aimed to widen their gap from the bottom three. This fixture held significant implications for both clubs.
The first half saw Verona assert clear dominance, launching numerous assaults on the Fiorentina goal. They created multiple chances, showing intense attacking intent. Roberto Gagliardini received the game's first yellow card in the 17th minute.
De Gea, in the Fiorentina net, was a formidable barrier. He made several crucial saves, keeping the score level. Despite Verona's nine corner kicks, they found no breakthrough, ending the half goalless.
The second half brought tactical adjustments as both managers sought an advantage. Giovanni Fabbian was an early Fiorentina substitution in the 59th minute. Verona also made changes, looking to break the deadlock.
The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute. Nicolò Fagioli broke the deadlock for Fiorentina, expertly slotting the ball home after a precise assist from J. Harrison. The visiting fans erupted in celebration.
A chaotic minute followed Fagioli's goal. He received a yellow card in the 84th minute. Then, in the 85th, both Albert Gudmundsson and Tomáš Suslov were dismissed with red cards for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Verona's desperate search for an equalizer continued, but Fiorentina held firm. Rafik Belghali added Verona's third yellow in the 88th minute. Fiorentina battled fiercely to protect their lead.
Statistics showed Verona's missed opportunities: 21 shots (8 on target) but no goals, despite an xG of 1.3. Fiorentina, with just 5 shots (1 on target), defied their 0.36 xG. De Gea's 8 saves were key.
This victory moves Fiorentina to 32 points, providing a vital cushion from relegation. For Hellas Verona, the defeat deepens their struggles, leaving them precariously in 19th place.
