Under the floodlights of Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Udinese delivered a stunning performance to overwhelm Fiorentina 3-0 on Monday night, March 2, 2026, in the 27th round of Serie A. It was a night to remember for the home fans, as Kosta Runjaic’s side not only secured a vital three points but also showcased the kind of clinical football that could define their season’s trajectory. For Paolo Vanoli’s Fiorentina, it was an evening of frustration and missed opportunities—a setback that leaves their campaign searching for answers.
The match kicked off at 8:45 PM local time, with both teams entering the contest under pressure to improve their standings. Udinese had been struggling to pull away from the relegation zone, while Fiorentina, buoyed by recent successes in domestic and European competitions, aimed to solidify their mid-table position. The stakes were high, and the energy in the stadium reflected the urgency on both sides.
From the opening whistle, Udinese asserted themselves, controlling possession and probing for weaknesses in Fiorentina’s backline. The breakthrough came early: in the 10th minute, Christian Kabasele capitalized on a well-taken corner. Nicolò Zaniolo, ever the creative force, curled in a teasing ball to the far post, where Kabasele shook off Daniele Rugani and powered his header beyond David De Gea. The stadium erupted—Udinese had drawn first blood. As the official match report described, "Arriva al minuto 10' la rete del vantaggio friulano, la rete è di Christian Kabasele! Dagli sviluppi di un corner bianconero Zaniolo crea una traiettoria a rientrare, sul suggerimento verso il secondo palo compare Kabasele che sguscia alle spalle di Rugani e conclude in rete."
Fiorentina tried to respond swiftly. Rolando Mandragora, a key figure in Vanoli’s midfield, was twice presented with free-kick opportunities, but on both occasions his efforts failed to trouble Maduka Okoye in the Udinese goal. The visitors enjoyed spells of possession, with Jack Harrison and Albert Gudmundsson looking to create from the wings, but Udinese’s defensive trio of Kristensen, Kabasele, and Bertola remained resolute. The first half closed with Udinese holding onto their slender lead, thanks in part to De Gea’s sharp reflexes that prevented a second goal before the break.
As the teams emerged for the second half, Vanoli made tactical adjustments. Marin Pongracic and Cher Ndour entered the fray, seeking to inject fresh energy into the Viola’s ranks. Yet it was Udinese who continued to dictate the tempo, pressing high and forcing errors. The pivotal moment arrived in the 61st minute: Keinan Davis, a constant menace up front, drew a foul from Rugani inside the box. Referee Luca Pairetto, who managed the game with authority all night, pointed decisively to the spot. Davis stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty past De Gea, doubling Udinese’s advantage and sending their supporters into jubilation.
"Raddoppia la formazione friulana, lo fa con Keinan Davis! Fallo di Rugani sul centravanti bianconero, l'attaccante si incarica del calcio di rigore e lo trasforma con il mancino. Battuto De Gea, Udinese sul 2-0," read the post-match summary, capturing the significance of the moment. The goal not only gave Udinese breathing room but also sapped the momentum from Fiorentina, who struggled to mount a meaningful response in the minutes that followed.
Substitutions came thick and fast as both coaches sought to influence the game’s closing stages. For Udinese, Lennon Miller, Oier Zarraga, Hassane Kamara, and Branimir Mlacic entered, while Vanoli turned to Roberto Piccoli, Giovanni Fabbian, and Jacopo Fazzini for Fiorentina. Despite these changes, the home side maintained their composure, closing down spaces and breaking up any attempts by the Viola to claw their way back.
As stoppage time approached, Fiorentina pressed forward in desperation, but Udinese’s counterattacking threat remained ever-present. The final blow came deep into added time, in the 94th minute. Substitute Adam Buksa, on for Davis, shrugged off Rugani’s challenge, surged into the box, and rifled a left-footed shot past De Gea to seal the victory. Lennon Miller, another substitute, provided the assist, highlighting Udinese’s squad depth and tactical flexibility. The match report captured the moment: "Cala il tris la formazione casalinga, il timbro è apposto da Adam Buksa! Duello fisico con Rugani, poi il centravanti si proietta a tu per tu con De Gea, calcia con il mancino e trova il palo lontano mettendo il risultato in cassaforte."
The final whistle blew after five minutes of added time, confirming a comprehensive 3-0 win for Udinese. The result lifts them to 35 points in the league, providing crucial breathing space above the lower reaches of the table. Fiorentina, meanwhile, remains stuck on 24 points, their position unchanged and their European ambitions taking a hit after a run of promising results in both Serie A and the Conference League.
The match was not without its disciplinary moments. Yellow cards were handed out to Luca Ranieri, Daniele Rugani, Fabiano Parisi, and Marin Pongracic for Fiorentina, while Kingsley Ehizibue was cautioned for Udinese. The game was officiated by Luca Pairetto, with support from assistants Passeri and Mondin, and VAR overseen by Paterna and Doveri.
This fixture added another chapter to a rivalry that has seen over 50 meetings, with Fiorentina historically holding the edge but Udinese proving on this night that past records mean little when form and determination align. The home crowd, more than 25,000 strong, left Bluenergy Stadium with smiles and renewed hope for the season ahead, while Fiorentina faces a week of soul-searching before their next challenge against Parma.
For Udinese, the victory was a statement—proof that they can compete and triumph against seasoned opponents when it matters most. For Fiorentina, the journey continues, with lessons to learn and opportunities still to come as Serie A’s relentless campaign rolls on.