Mastantuono substituted at half-time as Fiorentina suffer another Serie A setback

Fiorentina’s difficult start to the Serie A season continued on Saturday as they were beaten 1-3 by Torino at home, suffering a third consecutive league defeat.

The result leaves Fiorentina at the bottom of the table, while Torino claimed their first three points of the campaign. The home side had taken the lead early in the second half, but Torino responded with two goals to take control of the match.

The defeat also highlighted the ongoing difficulties faced by Franco Mastantuono. The Argentina international, who plays for Fiorentina on loan from Real Madrid, was unable to make a decisive impact and was replaced at half-time.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Mastantuono has struggled to influence matches since joining the Italian club. His performance against Torino offered little to change that assessment, although he was involved in Fiorentina’s most promising moments during the opening half.

Fiorentina largely looked to counter-attack during the match, allowing Torino to enjoy possession for long periods. The hosts had two notable opportunities, with Mastantuono at the centre of both moves after winning possession from the opposition defence.

However, he was unable to finish either chance, leaving Fiorentina without a goal from their most closely watched attacking player. His early substitution further underlined a frustrating evening for the Argentina player and his team.

Fiorentina eventually broke the deadlock three minutes after the interval. Matteo Pellegrino produced a powerful left-footed strike in the 48th minute, catching Torino goalkeeper Petri off guard and giving the home side the advantage.

That lead did not last. Torino found a response in the closing stages, with Rolando Mandragora scoring in the 74th minute before Che Adams added another eight minutes later.

The visitors’ late spell turned the contest in their favour and secured their first victory of the season. For Fiorentina, the outcome extended a damaging run and left them rooted to the foot of the Serie A standings.

Mastantuono’s loan move from Real Madrid had raised expectations that he could provide an attacking spark for Fiorentina. Against Torino, though, he was unable to turn his involvement into a goal or sustained influence before being taken off at the break.

Fiorentina must now respond after three successive defeats in the Italian top flight, while Torino can build on a victory that delivered their opening points of the campaign.