Gift Orban Strikes Late as Verona Stun Fiorentina in Dramatic Away Win

Nigerian forward Gift Orban delivered a match-winning performance on Sunday night, scoring twice to lead Hellas Verona to a thrilling 2-1 away victory over Fiorentina in their Serie A encounter.

Orban opened the scoring just three minutes before half-time, showing composure in front of goal to put Verona ahead. Fiorentina fought back in the second half and drew level in the 69th minute after an unfortunate own goal by Unai Núñez, raising hopes of a home comeback.

However, with the contest heading for a draw, Orban had other ideas. The striker struck deep into stoppage time, firing home the winner to silence the Artemio Franchi Stadium and seal all three points for Paolo Zanetti’s side.

The brace takes Orban’s tally to four goals and one assist in 11 league appearances this season, underlining his growing influence since joining the Yellow and Blues. The crucial win also lifted Verona from 19th to 18th on the Serie A table, boosting their survival hopes.

Opinion: Orban Is Becoming Verona’s Lifeline

Beyond the drama of the late winner, Orban’s performance speaks volumes about his importance to this Verona side. In a team battling at the lower end of the table, players who can deliver in defining moments are priceless — and Orban is proving to be exactly that.

His calmness under pressure, movement in the box, and knack for decisive goals suggest a striker growing rapidly in confidence and maturity. If Verona are to climb further away from the relegation zone, Orban’s goals could be the difference between survival and heartbreak.

For Nigerian football fans, his rise is equally encouraging. Performances like this strengthen his case as one to watch closely in Europe — a forward who doesn’t just score, but shows up when it matters most.