Fiorentina delivered a stunning performance to overpower Inter Milan 3-0 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, securing a crucial three points and climbing into the Serie A top four. The rescheduled fixture, initially abandoned in December due to Edoardo Bove’s cardiac arrest, saw the Viola rise to the occasion with an emphatic display that handed Inter their second league defeat.
The win marked Fiorentina’s first home league victory over Inter since 2017. It extended their unbeaten run to four matches, while Simone Inzaghi’s side missed the chance to reclaim the top spot on goal difference.
Inter Start Strong But Face Setbacks
The game resumed in the 17th minute with a Fiorentina throw-in, but Inter were the ones who settled in quickly. The visitors threatened early, forcing David de Gea into action as he saved a powerful effort from Lautaro Martínez. Luca Ranieri came to Fiorentina’s rescue soon after, making a vital block to deny Alessandro Bastoni.
Inter thought they had taken the lead on the half-hour mark when Bastoni redirected a half-cleared corner back into the penalty area for Carlos Augusto to slot home. However, VAR ruled the goal out for offside, frustrating the Nerazzurri and giving Fiorentina a much-needed lifeline.
Fiorentina Take Control with Clinical Finishing
That offside decision sparked Fiorentina into action, and they nearly found the opener three minutes later. Fabiano Parisi delivered a pinpoint cross onto Moise Kean’s forehead, but Yann Sommer produced a brilliant save to keep the game level. Moments later, Kean turned provider for Dodô, who found himself one-on-one with Sommer but dragged his shot wide.
The breakthrough finally came in the 60th minute when Rolando Mandragora whipped in a dangerous corner that found Luca Ranieri, who volleyed it into the bottom corner for his first league goal of the season.
Inter tried to respond, with Martínez seeing another effort blocked by Ranieri, but Fiorentina doubled their lead soon after. In the 65th minute, Dodô delivered an inviting cross to the back post, where Kean made no mistake this time, heading the ball past Sommer into the bottom corner.
Inter’s Late Struggles Seal Their Fate
Despite Inter’s efforts to fight back, their attacking output lacked precision. Nicolò Barella attempted a hopeful long-range shot, while Marko Arnautović failed to convert from close range, summing up their frustrating night.
Fiorentina wrapped up the victory in the 89th minute when a disastrous backpass gifted Kean a golden opportunity. The striker pounced on the mistake, easily slotting the ball past Sommer, who was stranded out of position. That goal sealed a famous 3-0 win for Fiorentina, sending the Artemio Franchi crowd into raptures.
What This Means for Serie A and the Kenyan Football Fans
Fiorentina’s emphatic victory shakes up the Serie A title race, adding more intrigue to the battle for the top spots. With this win, the Viola now sit in fourth place, keeping their Champions League hopes alive. Meanwhile, Inter’s loss means they miss out on reclaiming the top position, leaving them with work to do in the title run-in.
For Kenyan football fans, who closely follow the Serie A action, this result highlights the unpredictability of Italian football. Many fans who back Inter Milan in Kenya will be disappointed with this setback, but Fiorentina’s rise adds more excitement to the league. As betting enthusiasts analyze the impact of this game, platforms like BangSports remain the best place for top odds and thrilling football betting action.
Final Thoughts
Fiorentina’s performance was a statement of intent, showing they are a force to be reckoned with in Serie A. Their clinical finishing, solid defensive work, and strategic play dismantled an Inter side that had been nearly unstoppable this season. With momentum on their side, the Viola will now look to maintain their top-four position, while Inter must regroup quickly if they want to reclaim their spot at the summit of Italian football.
The Serie A title race got even more interesting for football fans and bettors in Kenya!
