Fiorentina’s wait for a first Serie A victory of the season continues, but they showed remarkable resolve to claw back from two goals down and secure a 2-2 draw against in-form Bologna at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Despite their poor league form, the hosts made a lively start, with Robin Gosens heading narrowly over from an early corner.
David de Gea then had to be alert to tip Juan Miranda’s curling strike away from the top corner, but the veteran goalkeeper was powerless moments later when Santiago Castro’s thunderous volley handed Bologna the lead.
La Viola had a golden chance to hit back before the break when captain Luca Ranieri blazed over from point-blank range after Rolando Mandragora’s smart knockdown. Mandragora later tested Lukasz Skorupski with a free-kick, though the Polish shot-stopper gathered comfortably.
Early in the second half, Fiorentina thought they had a route back into the contest when the referee pointed to the spot for a handball by Jhon Lucumí.
However, VAR intervened, ruling out the decision after Moise Kean was judged to have handled in the buildup, a moment that would later prove costly.
Bologna quickly doubled their advantage through a sharp attacking move, as Emil Holm’s low cross found Nicolò Cambiaghi, who slotted home with precision to make it 2-0 and seemingly put the game to bed.
Fiorentina’s response initially lacked conviction, and only a marginal offside spared them further embarrassment when Thijs Dallinga found the net from close range.
The hosts finally found a lifeline when Dodo’s cross struck Lewis Ferguson’s arm, earning a penalty that Albert Gudmundsson coolly converted despite Skorupski diving the right way.
That goal reignited the home side’s belief, and Bologna’s task was made harder when Emil Holm was sent off after two quick yellow cards.
With the momentum fully swinging their way, Fiorentina poured forward, and deep into stoppage time, fortune smiled upon them again.
Federico Bernardeschi, once vilified in Florence for his move to Juventus, handled Kean’s shot inside the box, gifting his former club another penalty. Kean took responsibility himself and sent Skorupski the wrong way to complete the dramatic comeback.
Bologna will rue letting a two-goal cushion slip, while Fiorentina can at least take pride in their fighting spirit. For Stefano Pioli, it was another game without defeat against his former side, a record he’s maintained since parting ways with Bologna over a decade ago.
