Orban’s late double lifts Verona in Florence

Nigerian forward Gift Orban struck twice as Hellas Verona claimed a vital 2-1 away victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, boosting their survival hopes in Serie A. Verona arrived in Florence after a shock win over Atalanta, but Orban started on the bench, with both relegation-threatened sides desperate for points.

Fiorentina were slight favourites, yet the contest remained finely balanced. Orban was introduced in the 35th minute after Giovane picked up an injury, and his presence immediately sharpened Verona’s attack despite sustained home pressure.

Seven minutes later, the striker made his impact count. He controlled Al Musrati’s pass on the edge of the box and fired accurately into the bottom-right corner to give Verona a first-half lead.

The hosts pushed hard after the break, creating chances through Moise Kean, Nicolò Fagioli and Simon Sohm, but failed to convert. Fiorentina eventually drew level in the 69th minute when Unai Nunez turned the ball into his own net.

As the game drifted toward a draw, Orban delivered the decisive moment in stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, he met Antoine Bernede’s pass and sent a low shot into the bottom-left corner, sealing Verona’s first win in Florence since 2018 season.