Two goals disallowed, a tough night for Fortini and Gudmundsson, and a decisive first-half lapse hand AEK a key Conference League win.
Fiorentina slipped to a second straight Conference League defeat, losing 1–0 at home to AEK Athens in a match defined by missed chances, VAR drama, and defensive lapses. Gacinovic’s first-half strike proved enough for the Greek side, while the Viola saw two goals ruled out for offside and struck the woodwork in a chaotic second half.
AEK started confidently, with left-back Pilios constantly troubling the Fiorentina defense. De Gea was forced into an early save on the Greek full-back before Fiorentina finally grew into the match. Dzeko came close with a header that Strakosha pushed wide, and minutes later Gudmundsson appeared to score the opener — only for VAR to rule Ranieri offside in the buildup.
The sucker punch arrived at the 35th minute. Pineda picked out Gacinovic completely unmarked inside the box, and the midfielder calmly slotted past De Gea. Moments later, former Fiorentina striker Jovic nearly doubled the lead but fired over from point-blank range.
Fiorentina’s frustration continued right after the break when another potential equalizer — this time from Ranieri — was erased after a lengthy review. Vanoli introduced Kean and pushed numbers forward, but it was AEK who nearly struck again: Zini hit the post, and Jovic forced De Gea into a brilliant fingertip save.
Dzeko came closest for the hosts with a header off the bar, slightly deflected, but the Viola simply couldn’t find a breakthrough. AEK held firm, carried by Pilios’ nonstop runs and Gacinovic’s all-around display, while Fiorentina’s attack faded as the minutes ticked away.
A painful home defeat leaves Fiorentina needing a strong late push to revive their Conference League campaign.
Match Report
Fiorentina 0–1 AEK Athens
Scorer: 35’ Gacinovic (AEK)
Fiorentina (3-5-2):
De Gea; Pongracic, Comuzzo, Ranieri (80’ Viti); Fortini (80’ Fazzini), Mandragora, Nicolussi Caviglia (79’ Fagioli), Ndour (64’ Kean), Parisi (63’ Kouadio); Gudmundsson, Dzeko.
Manager: Vanoli
AEK Athens (4-4-1-1):
Strakosha; Rota, Moukoudi, Relvas, Pilios; Gacinovic (82’ Grujic), Pineda, Pereyra (67’ Mantalos), Koita (67’ Zini, 90’ Penrice); Marin; Jovic.
Manager: Nikolic
Referee: Jones
Bookings: Gudmundsson (FIO), Pereyra (AEK), Pilios (AEK), Pongracic (FIO), Mandragora (FIO)
Red Cards: None
