Fiorentina delivered a stunning performance at the Stadio Franchi, demolishing Austrian side LASK 7-0 in a UEFA Conference League match that significantly improved their goal difference. The victory featured standout contributions from Amir Richardson and a brace from Riccardo Sottil.
Despite a recent string of eight consecutive Serie A victories, Fiorentina faced challenges in the Conference League following a 2-1 loss to APOEL and an exit from the Coppa Italia after penalties against Empoli. The team was also shaken by the recent medical emergency involving Edoardo Bove, who has since been discharged from the hospital with an implanted defibrillator. Additionally, Danilo Cataldi and Marin Pongracic were sidelined due to injuries, while Cristiano Biraghi was excluded from the squad amid speculation of a January transfer.
LASK entered the match missing several key players, including Andres Andrade and suspended goalkeeper Jorg Siebenhandl. Fiorentina’s Moise Kean had an early goal disallowed by VAR for a handling offense just two minutes into the game. However, the Viola quickly found their rhythm, with Riccardo Sottil scoring the opening goal after a volleyed assist from Parisi.
Fiorentina doubled their lead shortly after when Kouame set up Jonathan Ikone for an easy tap-in. The third goal came before halftime as Sottil floated a free kick to Amir Richardson, who headed it in from close range.
The second half saw Sottil complete his brace after his initial shot was blocked, followed by a rebound that he drilled into the net. Substitute Albert Gudmundsson made an immediate impact, scoring the fifth goal after a clever pass allowed Rolando Mandragora to finish easily.
Luck favored Fiorentina for their sixth goal as Andrea Colpani’s intended shot ricocheted off Filip Stojkovic into the net. Gudmundsson capped off the scoring with a penalty after Beltran was fouled in the box.
Although Fiorentina could have added another penalty late in stoppage time, Kouame was ruled offside before being brought down. This emphatic victory not only boosts Fiorentina’s confidence but also positions them favorably in their quest for success in the Conference League.
Goals: Sottil 10, 58 (F), Ikone 22 (F), Richardson 40 (F), Mandragora 69 (F), Stojkovic og 82 (F), Gudmundsson pen 85 (F)
Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Martinelli; Kayode, Martinez Quarta, Ranieri (46′ Matias Moreno), Parisi; Mandragora, Richardson (76′ Harder); Ikoné (68′ Colpani), Kouamé, Sottil (60′ Gudmundsson); Kean (60′ Beltran)
LASK (4-3-3): Jungwirth; Bogarde (46′ Horvath), Talovierov, Smolcic, Bello; Stojkovic, Jovicic, Zulj; Berisha, Entrup (54′ Ljubicic), Flecker
