Franco Mastantuono delivered a breakout performance for Fiorentina, scoring three goals in a 4–2 victory over Venezia during the fourth matchday of the Serie A season, according to reports from multiple outlets including La Nación and Infobae. The 19-year-old midfielder engineered a decisive offensive surge that included a quick-fire double within 97 seconds and a bizarre third goal off his face, lifting the club to its first points of the campaign under manager Paolo Vanoli.
Mastantuono’s Quick-Fire Double Revives Fiorentina
Early Setbacks
Fiorentina entered the fixture facing immense pressure after dropping their opening three matches of the domestic campaign, conceding nine goals while scoring just once. That start cost Fabio Grosso his job after only three matchdays, paving the way for Vanoli’s return to the Florence dugout.
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The tactical shift faced an early setback when Venezia struck first at the 22-minute mark through Akor Adams, who capitalized on a sharp team move to put the hosts ahead.
Turning the Match Inside 97 Seconds
Mastantuono altered the trajectory of the match shortly thereafter. At 28 minutes and four seconds, the former River Plate youngster collected a pass wide on the right flank, drove inside past Richie Sagrado, and whipped a low left-footed shot past goalkeeper Filip Stankovic. It marked his maiden Serie A goal in a Fiorentina shirt.
Just 97 seconds later, the teenager struck again following a midfield recovery by teammate Beto, driving forward to finish with another precise, low effort that turned the scoreline to 2–1.
Pellegrino’s Solo Run and a Hat-Trick
The visitors extended their advantage after the interval through fellow Argentine Mateo Pellegrino. The 24-year-old forward launched an impressive solo run from deep in his own half, shrugged off his markers, and slotted a left-footed shot inside the area for the 3–1 lead. Pellegrino arrived from Parma during the transfer window in a deal exceeding €22 million, having previously scored against Torino.
Mastantuono capped his night in the 83rd minute by completing the first hat-trick of his professional career. After receiving a ball inside the penalty area, his initial shot was blocked by Stankovic, but the rebound struck Mastantuono directly in the face before bouncing over the goal line for the 4–1 advantage.
Under Vanoli
Replaced shortly afterward, the midfielder walked off the pitch to a standing ovation from the traveling supporters. Venezia subsequently cut the deficit to 4–2 in the 86th minute through Antoine Hainaut, but the result remained secure for the visitors.
The victory provides vital relief for Fiorentina as they secure their first points under Vanoli. Mastantuono, who joined the club on loan from Real Madrid, logged his fourth start across five appearances in all competitions, including Coppa Italia action. La Viola will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures as the Italian top-flight schedule continues.
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