Fiorentina 3-0 SPAL: Highlights

Pre-match

Stefano Pioli brought Alban Lafont back between the sticks, and also sent Marco Benassi and Marko Pjaca into the XI. Lenardo Semplici’s SPAL was as expected.

First half

In the 18th minute, Cristiano Biraghi whipped a cross into the box from the left, and Mohammed Fares completely whiffed on the clearance, presenting Marko Pjaca with the easiest of chances, and the Croatian coolly slotted home for his first Serie A goal.

10 minutes later, Jordan Veretout lofted a corner into the box and Nikola Milenković timed his run to perfection, meeting the ball at the apex of his leap and hammering his header into the back of the net. Nobody could have stopped him except for maybe goalkeeper Alfred Gomis, and you can’t blame him for not wanting any piece of the Mountain at full speed.

Second half

Federico Chiesa wrapped things up in the 56th minute, winning the ball in midfield and feeding Pjaca, who exchanged passes with Marco Benassi before getting the ball stuck under his feet. Fede motored onto the ball in the area and slammed it home before wheeling off to celebrate with his younger brother Lorenzo, who was working the touchlines as a ball boy in what has to be one of the sweetest celebrations I’ve ever seen.

Full time

Goals: Pjaca 18’, Milenković 28’ (ass. Veretout), Chiesa 56’ (ass. Pjaca)

Cards: Biraghi 33’, Schiattarella 55’, Kurtić 71’