Castro and Cambiaghi put Bologna in control, but Gudmundsson and Kean convert from the spot to complete Fiorentina’s comeback in the Derby dell’Appennino.
Fiorentina fight back to avoid fifth defeat of the season
What looked like another nightmare afternoon for Fiorentina turned into a dramatic late rescue mission as Stefano Pioli’s men clawed back from two goals down to draw 2–2 with Bologna. Two penalties in the final twenty minutes — converted by Gudmundsson and Kean — salvaged a crucial point and prevented a fifth Serie A defeat for the struggling Viola.
Bologna were the sharper side early on and took a deserved lead in the 25th minute. Castro punished a poor clearance from Pablo Marì by smashing the ball under the crossbar from inside the box. The visitors doubled their lead early in the second half when Cambiaghi capped off a brilliant team move to make it 2–0.
Fiorentina appeared dead and buried, but the game turned in a chaotic final stretch. A Dallinga goal that would have made it 3–0 was ruled out by VAR, and moments later, the hosts were awarded a penalty for a Ferguson handball. Gudmundsson coolly converted to make it 1–2, setting up a tense finale.
In the 83rd minute, Bologna’s Holm was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving Thiago Motta’s replacement Luca Italiano’s side to defend with ten men. Deep into stoppage time, Bernardeschi handled the ball in the box, gifting Fiorentina another penalty. This time Kean stepped up and fired home for a dramatic 2–2 equalizer that lifted the roof at the Franchi.
The draw spares Fiorentina from dropping back into the relegation zone, while Bologna miss the chance to move into the top four despite another solid attacking display.
Match Report
Serie A – Round 8
Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence
Fiorentina 2–2 Bologna
Scorers: 25′ Castro (B), 52′ Cambiaghi (B), 73′ Gudmundsson (pen., F), 90+3′ Kean (pen., F)
Fiorentina (3-5-2): De Gea; Pongracic, Pablo Marì, Ranieri (85′ Piccoli); Dodò, Mandragora (54′ Ndour), Nicolussi Caviglia (65′ Sabiri), Fagioli (54′ Dzeko), Gosens (54′ Fortini); Gudmundsson, Kean.
Coach: Pioli
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Holm, Heggem, Lucumì, Miranda; Freuler, Ferguson; Orsolini (77′ Bernardeschi), Fabbian (77′ Pobega), Cambiaghi (65′ Rowe, 86′ Casale); Castro (65′ Dallinga).
Coach: Italiano
Referee: La Penna
Booked: Gosens (Fiorentina); Freuler, Gudmundsson, Holm, Rowe, Lucumì (Bologna)
Sent off: Holm (Bologna, 83’)
Stadium: Stadio Artemio Franchi (Florence)
