Fiorentina, another thud: AEK Athens routs the Franchi
F Fiorentina does not know how to win anymore. The Viola cashed in yet another defeat of the season against AEK Athens on the fourth day of the Conference League: at the Franchi, the Greeks went through 1-0 thanks to Gacinovic’s decisive goal in the final minutes of the first half.
Vanoli’s men actually got off to a good start and took the lead through Gudmundsson on 17′ but the goal was nullified after review by VAR for irregular position of Ranieri, author of the assist. On 35′ the Greeks took the lead: Pilios got away from Fortini and crossed for Gacinovic who, all alone, slipped it past De Gea.
In the second half, the hosts had another goal cancelled out for offside by Ranieri, who had beaten Strakosha. In 73′ the guests came close to doubling the score but Zini’s diagonal shot slammed against the post. Four minutes later it was Fiorentina who hit the woodwork with a Dzeko header that hit the crossbar. It’s the last real chance for the Viola, who have to digest another knockout.
After this defeat, Fiorentina remains stuck at 6 points in the standings, still remaining in the play-off zone, while AEK Athens climbs to 7, moving closer to the top eight.
