Mastantuono makes Fiorentina debut on his birthday

Franco Mastantuono turned 19 yesterday with a special gift: his debut for Fiorentina, where he is on loan from Real Madrid. The Argentine took the field in the closing stage of the Coppa Italia victory against Benevento (4-1), when the result was already settled.

Although he arrived when the match was already decided, thirty minutes were enough to show a substantial change from his recent form in Madrid. According to Mundo Deportivo, during his time on the pitch he demonstrated clear activity: he tried things, ventured into differentiated runs, sought plays showing technical quality, and even attempted a curling shot from outside the box.

Confidence makes the difference

What mattered most was not the numbers, but his body language. Mastantuono showed a self-assurance in every action very different from what was seen in recent weeks at Madrid. He didn't rush the ball, recovering that control that made him stand out at River. It's just the start in Italy and he'll need to maintain this level, but the loan appears to have come at just the right moment for his confidence.