Mainz Secure 2-1 Victory Over Fiorentina in Conference League
Mainz maintained their perfect start in the UEFA Conference League by scoring a 95th-minute winner, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against Fiorentina at the Mewa Arena. This defeat marked Fiorentina's 10th loss in 17 encounters with German teams (W4, D3).
Match Overview and Key Moments
As strong contenders for the trophy next spring, both teams battled intensely from the start. Mainz showed slightly more intent early on, with Nelson Weiper—who scored the winning goal against Zrinjski Mostar two weeks prior—heading a promising chance straight to goalkeeper Tommaso Martinelli.
Fiorentina soon responded, breaking the deadlock with their first significant opportunity. Roberto Piccoli passed to Simon Sohm, who unleashed a powerful first-time shot past Mainz’s keeper Robin Zentner at the near post.
“The Swiss international celebrated his first strike for Fiorentina with all due gusto,”
Sohm nearly lost the spotlight when a cross by Niccolo Fortini almost allowed Piccoli to score at the far post, but Zentner made a crucial leg save. Fiorentina's chance to double their lead came on 38 minutes, when Dodo’s pass found Jacopo Fazzini, whose shot was blocked at close range by teenager defender Kacper Potulski.
Fiorentina continued to press in the first 15 minutes after the break, especially creating threats down the right flank.
Match Significance
This result underlines Mainz’s strong form in the competition and highlights Fiorentina’s challenges against German opposition, deepening their historic struggle in these fixtures.
Author's Summary
Mainz sustained their perfect Conference League run with a last-minute winner against Fiorentina, emphasizing their emerging strength and the Italian side's ongoing difficulties versus German teams.