In a dramatic twist of fate, Moise Kean emerged as an unlikely hero for Fiorentina, scoring a last-gasp winner against Cremonese just minutes after coming off a bench he was never supposed to occupy. The 1-0 victory on Sunday provided a crucial lifeline in the club's desperate battle to avoid relegation from Serie A.
A Substitute By Chance, A Hero By Fortune
The man who secured three precious points for La Viola was a last-minute addition to the matchday squad. Kean had only returned to training on Saturday after being granted time away to deal with a private family matter. Manager Paolo Vanoli had been clear about his intentions, telling the striker he would not be included out of respect for the group that had remained at the winter training camp.
Vanoli's hand was forced by a late ankle injury to veteran forward Edin Dzeko, compelling him to name Kean among the substitutes. The manager later explained his initial decision, stating his belief in rewarding the players who had been present throughout a difficult period. Kean's absence had caused some controversy locally, with prominent agent Furio Valcareggi suggesting the club should sever ties with the player.
A Club in Turmoil Finds a Moment of Joy
The goal, and the win it delivered, offered a rare bright spot in a season of profound struggle for Fiorentina. Before Vanoli's appointment on 7 November, the team had managed a paltry four points from their opening ten games—a shocking collapse for a side that finished sixth the previous season. The summer departure of manager Raffaele Palladino, who spoke of a mismatched "jigsaw," now seems prophetic.
The problems run deep. The club's summer spending spree of over €90 million has failed to yield results, with big-money signing Roberto Piccoli struggling to adapt. Off the pitch, the situation is equally chaotic. The Stadio Artemio Franchi remains partially closed for overdue renovations, now expected to last until 2027. Furthermore, the sporting director role has been vacant since Daniele Pradé's resignation in November, with Fabio Paratici's anticipated arrival from Tottenham delayed.
Many observers trace the club's leadership vacuum back to the tragic passing of general manager Joe Barone from cardiac arrest in March 2024. Barone was owner Rocco Commisso's trusted lieutenant, and his absence has left a significant void.
A Scrappy Goal Sparks Belief
The match itself followed a familiar, frustrating pattern for Fiorentina. They dominated the first half against Cremonese, hitting the crossbar through Fabiano Parisi and forcing a fine save from Emil Audero. A potential penalty was awarded and then overturned by VAR after Federico Baschirotto's challenge on Piccoli.
As the second half wore on and energy faded, it seemed the chance for victory had slipped away. A superb save from David De Gea denied Franco Vázquez from a free-kick. With time running out, Vanoli turned to the one player he hadn't planned to use.
Introduced in the 85th minute to a muted reception, Kean needed only moments to make his mark. When Niccolò Fortini's header was parried by Audero, Kean was perfectly positioned to bundle the rebound over the line. It was a messy, opportunistic finish, but no one in purple cared.
The result lifted Fiorentina off the bottom of the table for the first time since early November, drawing them level on 12 points with Pisa and Verona. While head-to-head records would currently keep them in the relegation zone, the psychological boost is immense.
"A goal can arrive in the last moment," said the match-winner afterwards. "We can still save ourselves, right up to the end." For Fiorentina, a club searching for any piece of good fortune, Kean's fortuitous, unexpected intervention might just be the spark they desperately needed.
