Cher Ndour returned to Florence with more than an Under-21 qualification in his luggage. Italy’s 6-2 win over Poland in Pescara brought first place in the group and a place at the European Championship, while the Fiorentina midfielder supplied two goals, an assist and one extraordinary strike from 65.5 metres.
The decision
Ndour’s long-range finish came with Poland’s goalkeeper well beyond his penalty area. The midfielder described it as an instinctive effort rather than something planned, but it gave a European stage to a player who has increasingly become central to Fiorentina’s season.
There was a similar moment in Viola memory when Cristiano Biraghi scored from around 60 metres against Hellas Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipò on 27 February 2023. Ndour’s goal arrived in Italy colours rather than Fiorentina’s, yet it will return with him to a club side that needs momentum as much as admiration.
Paolo Vanoli is working to steady Fiorentina after a difficult opening, a task he already understands well. Ndour had been a regular presence from the start of the campaign, including under Fabio Grosso, and his performance for Silvio Baldini’s Under-21 side underlined why he has become a trusted figure.
Against Poland, Ndour wore the captain’s armband and operated on the left of midfield. He headed in Italy’s second goal after timing his run to meet Liberali’s cross, then made it three with the strike from distance. He also released Sassuolo’s Lipani with a precise through ball for another goal.
Ndour and right-sided midfielder Pisilli were asked to take turns in supporting the front three. On the left, Ndour combined with Milan full-back Bartesaghi and Paris FC winger Koleosho, whose running repeatedly stretched the Polish defence. Koleosho and Liberali were among the main figures in a performance that made Italy’s qualification emphatic.
The 21-year-old has already travelled widely in the game. He began in Brescia, moved through Atalanta and joined Benfica in Lisbon at 16. His subsequent route took him to Paris Saint-Germain, Braga and Besiktas before Fiorentina brought him to Florence in the summer of 2025. He has collected seven trophies along the way.
“I am going back to Florence this evening,” Ndour said after Monday’s match. “We have an important game to prepare.” It was the response of a player already turning his attention from a notable international night to the club calendar.
Sunday’s picture
Fiorentina travel to Genoa on Saturday, with neither side in a position to treat the fixture lightly. Genoa are seeking a change of direction after a troubled start, shaped largely by departures and limited incoming investment. Fiorentina, meanwhile, cannot afford further points to slip away while Vanoli attempts to restore order and continuity.
Ndour’s return brings a measure of confidence to the Viola group. Two goals and an assist in Pescara do not settle Fiorentina’s wider problems, but they offer Vanoli a midfielder arriving back in form, carrying responsibility and eager to make the next match matter.
