Serie A: Fiorentina Edges Empoli in Thrilling Tuscan Derby

Fiorentina wins the Tuscan Derby against Empoli, thanks to Yacine Adli's goal and Rolando Mandragora's spectacular bicycle kick.

Fiorentina secured a crucial win in the Tuscan Derby, thanks to goals from Yacine Adli and a spectacular bicycle kick from Rolando Mandragora. This victory puts Empoli under further pressure, pushing them closer to relegation.

Fiorentina's win comes as they prepare for their Conference League semi-final against Real Betis. However, the team faces several absences, including Moise Kean, who missed the midweek win over Cagliari due to personal reasons. Additionally, Andrea Colpani remains injured, and Dodo is recovering from appendicitis surgery. Empoli, meanwhile, is dealing with its own injury and suspension issues, including Liberato Cacace's suspension and long-term absences of several key players.

Empoli had a promising chance when Giuseppe Pezzella's cross-shot hit David De Gea's gloves, but the rebound couldn't be bundled over the line.

Fiorentina capitalized on a well-worked passing move, with Albert Gudmundsson creating space for Yacine Adli to beat the offside trap and score. Later, Luca Ranieri's attempt to set up a Lucas Beltran tap-in was thwarted by Ardian Ismajli's crucial interception.

Fiorentina hold on for the win! 👏#FiorentinaEmpoli pic.twitter.com/hKhYJMliV4

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) April 27, 2025

Fiorentina's second goal was breathtaking, as Rolando Mandragora showcased incredible skill with a wonderful bicycle kick. Controlling Yacine Adli's cross with his right foot, Mandragora volleyed the ball into the net with his left foot from close range.

Empoli thought they had scored on the stroke of halftime with Jacopo Fazzini's header, but controversy surrounded the goal as Ola Solbakken had failed to stop the ball from rolling out of play before the assist was made.

Luca Ranieri received a yellow card and will be suspended for Fiorentina's upcoming match against Roma, a crucial showdown for European places.

Empoli leveled the score when Goglichidze rolled the ball across from the right, allowing Sebastiano Esposito to hold off a defender and let it run through to Fazzini, who swept home first-time from 12 yards.

Fiorentina's Devis Vasquez made a great one-handed save on Albert Gudmundsson's curler, while Robin Gosens hit the side-netting on a Nicolò Zaniolo assist. In the final minutes, Empoli pushed hard for a winner, with Viktor Kovalenko's scorcher testing David De Gea's gloves.