Fiorentina secured their first victory of the 2026–27 Serie A campaign in dramatic fashion on September 11, 2026, defeating Venezia 4–2 at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo. According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and Football Italia, teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono scored a brilliant hat-trick, while Mateo Pellegrino added a fourth to rescue the Viola from their early-season crisis under newly re-appointed manager Paolo Vanoli.
Vanoli Returns and Shakes Up the Lineup
The fixture marked Paolo Vanoli’s first match back in the Fiorentina dugout after replacing Fabio Grosso, who was dismissed following a dismal start that left the club rooted at the bottom of the table. According to Football Italia, sporting director Fabio Paratici noted that Grosso lacked confidence in the summer-assembled squad. Re-taking the reins just four months after his initial departure, Vanoli implemented a 4-2-3-1 formation, handing a full debut to recent Everton arrival Beto at center-forward and deploying Viery at left-back for the first time.
Despite Fiorentina dominating the early exchanges through chances from Beto, Mastantuono, and Cher Ndour, Venezia struck first against the run of play. Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Ndour attempted a loose back-heel near midfield, allowing the hosts to counter rapidly. Club-record signing Akor Adams capitalized on the turnover, firing a sharp first-time strike into the far corner past the Fiorentina defense to give Venezia a 1–0 lead midway through the first half.
Mastantuono’s Quick-Fire Turnaround
The lead proved short-lived as 19-year-old loanee Franco Mastantuono ignited a stunning Fiorentina response. In the 29th minute, the Argentine star collected the ball on the right flank, cut inside past Sagrado, and curled a sublime left-footed effort past goalkeeper Filip Stanković to equalize. Just over a minute later, Venezia surrendered possession from the restart; Haps slipped catastrophically in defense, Beto fed Mastantuono, and the teenager rifled another precise shot off the far post to make it 2–1.
As detailed in match chronicles, the frantic pace continued into the second half as Venezia chased an equalizer. However, Fiorentina capitalized on the counter-attack in the 21st minute of the second half. Following a defensive clearance won by Gnonto in the air, Fagioli launched a precise long ball to substitute Mateo Pellegrino, who outpaced the Venezia backline before slotting past the goalkeeper to extend the lead to 3–1.
Historic Hat-Trick and Late Drama
Mastantuono was not done. Capitalizing on a rebound after Stanković blocked an initial effort from Ndour, the young playmaker netted his third of the night. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the feat made Mastantuono the scorer of the youngest hat-trick in Fiorentina club history at 19 years and 28 days old.
Venezia refused to surrender entirely, pushing forward and finding a second goal five minutes from regular time when Antoine Hainaut converted following an assist by Haps. The 4–2 scoreline held until the final whistle, lifting Fiorentina off the bottom of the standings while leaving Venezia searching for their maiden victory under manager Alessio Stroppa.
Next Fixtures
Fiorentina will look to build upon their newfound momentum in their next Serie A fixture, while Venezia travels to continue their fight for survival in Italy’s top flight. Check local listings for exact kickoff times and official league broadcasts.
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