Mastantuono Leads Fiorentina to a Dramatic 4-2 Win Over Sassuolo
Franco Mastantuono delivered the decisive moment as Fiorentina ended a frustrating run of three consecutive defeats with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Sassuolo. The Argentine attacker, who is on loan from Real Madrid, struck in the 79th minute to put Fiorentina back in front, before Victor Valdepenas added his first goal for the club deep into stoppage time.
The result offered Fiorentina more than three points. It provided a timely lift for a team searching for confidence, while giving Mastantuono a chance to make a strong impression in a competitive Serie A setting. His energetic performance, direct running and late goal also renewed attention on the question surrounding his future: could he eventually return to Real Madrid and become part of the Spanish club’s plans?
A Cautious Start Gives Way to an Open Contest
According to Spanish newspaper AS, the meeting at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia brought together two sides under pressure to improve their defensive form. Both teams had struggled to find consistency, and the opening minutes reflected the importance of avoiding an early mistake. The match began carefully, with the sides probing for openings rather than committing too many players forward.
Mastantuono was among the first to inject urgency into the contest. The Real Madrid loanee threatened in the sixth minute and continued to use his pace and movement to unsettle Sassuolo’s back line. Fiorentina worked hard to close down space, while Sassuolo circulated the ball through midfield without immediately finding a clear route to goal.
The hosts gradually grew into the game, however, and their first major breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute. Esposito launched a counterattack with a well-weighted pass that released Armand Laurienté. Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea came off his line in an attempt to narrow the angle, but Laurienté kept his composure and fired Sassuolo into the lead.
Fiorentina responded by building an attack through the middle, with Mastantuono involved in the move. Ndour helped create the opportunity, and striker Pellegrino eventually restored parity in the 47th minute. He protected the ball from Candé before finishing from close range past Turati, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Ndour Puts Fiorentina Ahead, but Laurienté Strikes Again
Fiorentina returned from half-time with greater purpose. Having contributed to the equaliser, Ndour took responsibility himself three minutes after the restart. The midfielder found room outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot in the 50th minute, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage.
The goal appeared to shift momentum towards Fiorentina, but Sassuolo coach Aquilani reacted by strengthening his attacking options. Boye was introduced in the 59th minute, and the change helped the home side regain some of the forward movement they had shown before the break.
Mastantuono continued to threaten during that spell. He drove into the penalty area and forced a left-footed effort behind for a corner, a reminder that Fiorentina still had a dangerous outlet even as Sassuolo pushed for an equaliser. His willingness to attack defenders and make repeated runs gave the visitors a route forward whenever the match became stretched.
Sassuolo’s renewed pressure paid off in the 65th minute. Matic supplied Laurienté, who found space to shoot from a tight angle and beat De Gea for the second time. The Frenchman’s finish made it 2-2 and set up a tense final quarter, with both sides sensing that the next goal could decide the night.
Mastantuono’s Late Goal Changes the Match
The decisive passage arrived in the 79th minute, after Mastantuono had spent much of the second half looking for a way through Sassuolo’s defence. João Mário began the move down the left and played the ball to Pedro Gonçalves, who then laid it into Mastantuono’s path. The Argentine struck firmly with his left foot, sending the ball past Turati to make it 3-2.
It was the kind of contribution that can define a match: a direct finish under pressure, delivered when Fiorentina needed a player to turn their attacking energy into a result. Mastantuono’s goal rewarded his persistence and gave the visitors a lead they had to protect through a demanding closing stretch.
Sassuolo tried to find another response, but Fiorentina’s defence held on as the home side searched for space. The hosts also had to remain alert to Mastantuono, whose movement continued to demand attention and made it harder for them to commit everyone forward.
Fiorentina finally put the result beyond doubt in the 94th minute. Gonçalves helped construct the attack and released Ndour, whose cross travelled towards the far post. Valdepenas arrived in the right position and finished to score his first goal in a Fiorentina shirt, sealing a 4-2 victory and giving the travelling side a memorable finish.
What the Result Means for Fiorentina and Real Madrid
For Fiorentina, the win ends a three-match losing streak and offers a valuable boost at a point when confidence and defensive organisation had become pressing concerns. The four goals also highlighted the team’s attacking potential, although conceding twice will leave room for improvement. Turning a competitive performance into a victory could give the squad a stronger platform for its upcoming fixtures.
Mastantuono’s display will naturally attract attention beyond Italy. His loan spell gives him the opportunity to gain first-team experience, adapt to senior football and demonstrate how his qualities translate into a different league. Against Sassuolo, he showed pace, confidence in one-on-one situations and the composure to deliver a decisive finish.
That does not automatically mean a return to Real Madrid is imminent. His long-term prospects will depend on his development, playing opportunities and the plans of both clubs. Still, performances like this strengthen the case for continued attention. For supporters following the young Argentine, the most useful prediction is not that a particular transfer decision is guaranteed, but that his progress will remain a compelling storyline as the season unfolds.
Fiorentina’s 4-2 win was ultimately shaped by resilience, timely substitutions and Mastantuono’s ability to make the difference late on. With Valdepenas adding a first club goal in stoppage time, the visitors left Reggio Emilia with renewed momentum—and with their Real Madrid loanee firmly in the spotlight.
