Drăgușin turns things around in Italy with assist for Fiorentina after disastrous start

Radu Drăgușin produced a decisive moment for Fiorentina against Torino, recovering the ball near midfield and quickly setting up Mateo Pellegrino for the club’s first league goal of the season. Pellegrino struck from about 25 metres, with Torino goalkeeper Lucas Perri also failing to stop the shot.

The assist could not prevent another defeat. Fiorentina lost 2-1, making it three consecutive losses at the start of the Serie A season. Before the match, the Florence side had suffered heavy defeats against AS Roma, 4-0, and Frosinone, 3-0.

Drăgușin’s performance nevertheless marked a change in the Italian media’s assessment of him. Italian outlets said he received one of the few passing grades among Fiorentina players, after facing criticism during the first two rounds.

“It is a clear change from the criticism of the first two rounds: Drăgușin receives one of Fiorentina’s few passing grades. Pellegrino (6.5) is the only Viola starter rated higher, while Drăgușin’s central-defence teammate Viery receives 5.5!” they wrote.

The Romanian defender had already contributed in the Coppa Italia, assisting Ranieri for Fiorentina’s third goal in a 4-1 victory over Benevento. He returned to Serie A this summer after Tottenham loaned him to Fiorentina for €1.5 million. The agreement includes a €17.5 million purchase option, while Drăgușin earns an annual salary of €2 million at the Italian club.

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It is a clear change from the criticism of the first two rounds: Drăgușin receives one of Fiorentina’s few passing grades. Pellegrino (6.5) is the only Viola starter rated higher, while Drăgușin’s central-defence teammate Viery receives 5.5!