Fiorentina staged a remarkable comeback to claim a 4-2 victory over St. Gallen, maintaining their perfect start in the Conference League. Jonathan Ikone was the standout performer, scoring twice to help the Viola secure the win.
The match started with Fiorentina eager to build on their recent form, having won three consecutive matches, including a solid 2-0 victory against The New Saints in their European opener. However, they faced challenges with injuries to key players such as Albert Gudmundsson, Marin Pongracic, and Rolando Mandragora, while Moise Kean was only fit enough for the bench. St. Gallen, on the other hand, entered the game looking to bounce back from a heavy 6-2 defeat to Cercle Bruges.
The game was briefly interrupted when fireworks were thrown onto the pitch by fans behind Fiorentina goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano. Despite this disruption, both teams had early chances, with Christian Kouame missing a good opportunity and Felix Mambimbi’s header going off target.
St. Gallen took the lead after capitalizing on a defensive error from Fiorentina, with Mambimbi scoring following an interception by Jordi Quintillà. Fiorentina responded with several attempts to equalize, including a close call when Lawrence Ati-Zigi saved a strike from Riccardo Sottil.
The Viola finally found their rhythm after halftime, equalizing through a header from Lucas Martinez Quarta following a corner taken by Cristiano Biraghi. Just minutes later, Jonathan Ikone put Fiorentina ahead with a well-timed finish after receiving an excellent pass from Edoardo Bove.
St. Gallen fought back to level the score again with a stunning header from Lukas Gortler that found the top corner. However, Fiorentina quickly countered and regained the lead when Ikone scored his second goal after a swift breakaway.
As the match continued, Fiorentina maintained pressure and nearly extended their lead further when Kouame hit the post. The game remained intense until the final whistle, with both teams creating opportunities.
With this victory, Fiorentina now has four points from three matches in their Europa Conference League group, solidifying their position as contenders in the tournament. The win also boosts morale ahead of their upcoming fixtures, as they aim to build on this momentum.
Goals: Mambimbi 23 (SG), Martinez Quarta 50 (F), Ikone 54, 69 (F), Gortler 62 (SG), Gosens 94 (F)
St Gallen (4-4-2): Ati Zigi; Vandermersch, Ambrosius (dal 26′ Vallci), Stanic, Noah; Gortler (dall’83’ Stevanovic), Quintillà, Csoboth (dal 63′ Witzig), Toma; Geubbels (dall’83’ Cisse), Mambimbi (dal 63′ Akolo)
Fiorentina (4-3-3): Terracciano; Kayode, M. Quarta, Moreno (dal 46′ Comuzzo), Biraghi (dall’83’ Gosens); Richardson, Bove (dal 63′ Cataldi), Adli (dal 63′ Beltran); Sottil (dall’85’ Parisi); Kouamé, Ikoné.
