Fiorentina secured a crucial 3-2 victory against Pafos in the UEFA Conference League, marking an important return to form for the team. Goals from Christian Kouamé, an own goal by Goldar, and a strike from Lucas Martínez Quarta propelled the Viola to victory, bringing them closer to the knockout stages of the tournament.
After suffering a defeat in Nicosia, Fiorentina needed this win to regain confidence. The match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi saw the home side take control early on, with Kouamé scoring his first goal of the season. Despite a spirited effort from Pafos, who scored through Jairo and Jajà, they could not secure any points in Florence.
Raffaele Palladino made several tactical choices for this match, confirming Kouamé as the central striker supported by Ikoné, Beltran, and Sottil. In midfield, he deployed Martínez Quarta alongside Mandragora for the first time, while Dodo and Comuzzo anchored the defence.
The match began with an early chance for Kouamé, who missed a shot from Mandragora’s corner. Pafos responded with attempts from Sunjic and Jairo, but Fiorentina’s defence held firm. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Kouamé found the net after a setup from Dodo, allowing Fiorentina to lead 1-0 at half-time.
The second half started with Fiorentina looking for a second goal, which came quickly thanks to an own goal from Goldar in the 52nd minute. However, Pafos fought back with Jairo scoring shortly after to make it 2-1. Fiorentina responded decisively when Quarta scored in the 72nd minute, extending their lead to 3-1.
Despite a late goal from Pafos’ Jajà making it 3-2 in the closing minutes, Fiorentina held on for the win. This victory puts them at nine points in their group as they look ahead to upcoming matches against LASK and Vitoria Guimarães.
Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Dodo (62′ Kayode), Comuzzo (62′ Moreno), Pongracic, Parisi; Martinez Quarta (75′ Rubino), Mandragora; Ikoné, Beltran (62′ Bove), Sottil (69′ Biraghi); Kouamé.
Pafos (5-4-1): Ivusic; Bruno, Goldar, Luckassen, Pileas (74′ Quina), Dragomir; Correia (74′ Jaja), Pepe (88′ Name), Sunjic, Tankovic (88′ Ilia); Jairo (74′ Anderson).
