BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT IN FLORENCE
DAVID DE GEA proved he still has the “Midas touch” as he rolled back the years to inspire Fiorentina to a vital 1-0 win over Lazio at a rocking Stadio Artemio Franchi.
The former Manchester United legend was a one-man wall in the Tuscan night, producing a string of vintage saves that reminded the world why he was once the Premier League’s undisputed king of the gloves.
While De Gea kept the back door bolted, it was another name familiar to British fans who unlocked the game at the other end. Jack Harrison, on loan from Leeds United, looked every bit the Premier League star as he terrorized the Lazio flanks.
Robin’s Nest
The game’s decisive moment arrived in the 28th minute. Harrison, found space on the right and whipped in a peach of a cross that had “luxury” written all over it.
German wing-back Robin Gosens did the rest, rising high above the Lazio defense to nod the ball home and send the home fans into a frenzy. It was a goal made in the top flight and finished with Italian flair.
Lazio Frustration
Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio dominated the ball, enjoying 66% of possession, but they found themselves running into a Spanish brick wall. De Gea denied Mattia Zaccagni with a stunning fingertip save early on and frustrated the Rome giants at every turn as they chased an equalizer that never came.
Lazio’s frustration boiled over when a late VAR review for a penalty was waved away, leaving the visitors empty-handed and their top-six hopes in tatters.
The Great Escape?
For Fiorentina boss Paolo Vanoli, this was more than just three points—it was a statement. The win moves the Viola eight points clear of the relegation scrap, providing a massive boost after their midweek European bruising at the hands of Crystal Palace.
With De Gea in this kind of form and Harrison providing the ammunition, Fiorentina aren’t just surviving; they’re starting to sizzle.
MATCH STATS
GOAL: Gosens (28’)
ASSIST: Harrison
MAN OF THE MATCH: David De Gea (Fiorentina)
ATTENDANCE: 32,420
