Benevento traveled to Fiorentina’s home venue of Ciro Vigorito Saturday afternoon in hopes of regaining some confidence in the standings. However, the current 16th place team would remain stagnant as their opponents outscored them 4-1. Most of Fiorentina’s game was argued to be luck, as Benevento in possession ultimately dominated them. Nevertheless, Fiorentina jumped in the standings to 12th with a win, 3 places from where they previously were.
Fiorentina opened up the game with an early goal, demonstrating their dominance over the visitors. In the 8th minute of the match, Dusan Vlahovic took a left-footed shot from the box’s center. Leaving his foot, the ball was drilled into the bottom left corner to put his team up 1-0, a good start for the homegroup.
After that goal, Fiorentina didn’t slow down. Just after halfway through the first part of the game, Fiorentina stepped up once again. Valentin Eysseric hit a cross to Martin Caceres, who tipped it off with a header. However, there was not enough power to get it by the Benevento keeper, who was able to save it.
Caceres would soon get another moment of recognition, but not until the next play. He stepped up to take a corner for his team, which was placed in the danger area. When the ball bounced back out, Vlahovic saw his opportunity to take a shot. Again, with his left foot, he struck the ball and buried it in the center of the net. Now, his team was leading 2-0 at a steady pace.
Vlahovic’s efforts did not stop there, and he once again managed to find the back of the goal before halftime. With 45+1 up on the clock, he took another chance. Bartlomiej Dragowski punted the ball in his range, in which he quickly turned to face the net. Vlahovic curved the ball high aiming for the left upper 90 over the keeper’s head from a distance. This sensational goal would earn him a hattrick and incredible lead on Benevento going into the locker rooms.
Shortly after stepping back on the field, Benevento had their time to shine. Gianluca Caprari crossed the ball to the center of the box off a corner kick. In turn, Artur Ionita managed to put ahead to it and snuck it behind the goalie in the bottom left corner. Feeling a bit more confident, Benevento was now back in the match with a score of 3-1.
Their victory was short-lived, however, as Fiorentina quickly responded. Just 15 minutes remained on the clock as the team made their way to the other end one more time. Now, Eysseric was the one who stepped up for his squad. Franck Ribery passed off the ball in which Eysseric took a right-footed shot perfectly placed in the center of the net. Responding this way would end Benevento’s hopes of a comeback, ending the game at 4-1.
Many were shocked by the game’s outcome, even though Fiorentina had an advantage coming into the match. Possession was highly in Benevento’s favor, as well as shots and corners. The loss very well could have come from the lack of defensive plays, letting Fiorentina take too many chances. Also, being unable to keep up and stop their lead man (Vlahovic).
Both teams still have a way to go if they want to be anywhere near the top in the league by the end of the season.
Up Next
Fiorentina takes on No. 2 Milan on the road on Sunday, March 21st. Kickoff is set for 1:00 ET.
Benevento hopes to recover as they take on No. 3 Juventus at home on Sunday, March 21st. The match is set to begin at 10:00 a.m. ET.
