Fiorentina clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over 10-man Udinese in a drama-filled showdown, seizing a crucial three points that saw them leapfrog Lazio to secure a UEFA Conference League qualification spot.
Despite needing favourable results elsewhere to boost their chances, the Viola remained hopeful of a late push for Europe.
Lucas Beltran returned from suspension to bolster the squad, although Michael Folorunsho and Nicolò Zaniolo missed out through injury.
Pietro Comuzzo and Danilo Cataldi were also far from peak fitness. Udinese, meanwhile, were without Sandi Lovric and Thomas Kristensen due to suspension, while injuries sidelined Jaka Bijol, Martin Payero, and Isaak Touré.
Adding to the tense atmosphere were swirling rumours that the Pozzo family had sold Udinese to American investors, potentially bringing their 39-year ownership to an end.
The encounter got off to a frenetic start. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp nearly capitalised on a loose backpass from Comuzzo, and moments later, Moise Kean had the ball in the net, only for it to be ruled out due to an offside on David De Gea’s long goal kick.
Kean remained a constant threat, just missing a Robin Gosens delivery after a crucial block by Kabasele.
However, it was the visitors who drew first blood—Oumar Solet’s knockdown in the box was met by Lorenzo Lucca, who rifled in a powerful finish from 12 yards into the near bottom corner.
Solet then tested De Gea with a shot from distance, while Kean volleyed wide from Rolando Mandragora’s assist.
Controversy struck when Jaka Bijol saw red after a second booking for a sliding challenge on Pablo Mari. Although he seemed to make contact with the ball before following through on the Fiorentina defender, VAR was unable to review the incident as it was a yellow card offence.
Kean nearly responded instantly, hitting the post after being flagged offside once again.
Fiorentina levelled the score almost immediately after the break. Nicolò Fagioli saw two efforts from the edge of the area blocked, but his third attempt finally pierced the crowd of bodies to find the bottom corner.
The man advantage soon paid off, with Amir Richardson setting up Comuzzo for a stylish back-heel finish from close range, his maiden Serie A goal. With Lazio trailing Lecce, the goal temporarily pushed Fiorentina into a European place.
Still, Udinese refused to roll over. Lucca’s knockdown from a corner led to a chaotic equaliser, as Richardson’s clearance bounced off Christian Kabasele and rebounded into the net from close range.
With Lazio still behind against 10-man Lecce, Fiorentina pushed for a winnerand found it. Gosens pulled the ball back for Kean, who dropped a shoulder to beat his marker and benefited from a Jordan Zemura deflection to wrongfoot goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, sealing a dramatic and vital win for the Viola.
