In Florence, where Fiorentina’s season has yet to find a steady rhythm, Franco Mastantuono is learning how quickly a young player can move from hero to target. The 19-year-old Argentine left Real Madrid on loan during the summer in search of the playing time that had been hard to secure in Spain, and Italy has given him precisely that: the freedom to make an impact, and the exposure that comes with difficult afternoons.
Mastantuono delivered Fiorentina’s only Serie A victory so far with a hat-trick in the 4-2 win at Venezia, a performance that briefly placed him at the centre of the club’s hopes. But the mood shifted after the 2-1 defeat to Genoa at the weekend. He stayed on the pitch for the full match and drew heavy criticism from supporters, many of whom believe he must begin to show the level expected of a player with his reputation.
The midfielder lost possession 18 times against Genoa, although his passing remained relatively clean, completing 27 of 31 attempts. His work carrying the ball and taking on opponents was less effective, yet he continues to create more scoring opportunities per match than any other Fiorentina player.
Coach Paolo Vanoli offered a firm defence of his young loanee after the defeat, insisting that adaptation cannot happen from the sidelines. Mastantuono needs to understand Italian football, Vanoli said, but he will not learn it without playing. Experience is what helps a player grow, and the coach described the Argentine as an important member of the squad who must handle his status without complaint if he wants to reach the highest level.
For Mastantuono, the loan spell is becoming the sort of formative assignment Real Madrid intended: not a sheltered route through Europe, but a demanding season in which every touch is examined from the stands of Florence.
