Hellas Verona secured back-to-back Serie A victories with a thrilling 2-1 triumph over fellow relegation strugglers Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi Stadium, leaving the Viola without a league win in 15 games (D6, L9).
Even in mid-December, this clash carried the weight of a relegation six-pointer, with the two sides sharing just a single Serie A win between them this season.
Fiorentina, however, have found some joy on the European stage, claiming three wins in the UEFA Conference League, including one midweek.
The match burst into life from the first whistle. Martin Frese came close for Verona, but his effort was denied by the crossbar.
Fiorentina responded, with Moise Kean testing the away side’s nerves, though his strike narrowly flew over.
Verona were forced into a change in the 35th minute as Giovane limped off, with Gift Orban replacing him.
The Nigerian forward made an instant impact, calmly finishing a counterattack just before half-time to put Verona ahead.
The second half mirrored the opening period, with both sides creating chances. Dodo wasted a golden opportunity to equalise, and Luca Ranieri nodded over from close range.
Fiorentina eventually drew level in the 69th minute, courtesy of an unfortunate own goal by Unai Nunez.
Just when it seemed Fiorentina might rescue a point, Verona snatched a dramatic late winner in stoppage time. Orban, once again at the heart of the action, finished clinically to seal all three points for the visitors.
The defeat deepens Fiorentina’s domestic struggles, leaving them eight points from safety.
Verona, meanwhile, now sit just two points shy of 17th-placed Parma and will aim to capitalize on this positive spell as they fight to stay in Serie A.
