Franco Mastantuono hits Serie A hat-trick as Real Madrid’s plan starts paying off

Franco Mastantuono scored three times as Fiorentina defeated Venezia 4-2 away from home. The Argentine registered his first Serie A goals in emphatic fashion, delivering the first major indication that Real Madrid’s loan strategy can benefit both the player and the club.

TWO GOALS IN BARELY A MINUTE

Fiorentina initially found themselves behind after Akor Adams opened the scoring for Venezia in the 22nd minute.

Mastantuono changed the game almost immediately. He equalised in the 29th minute and struck again less than a minute later to complete a rapid turnaround. Mateo Pellegrino extended Fiorentina’s advantage after the break before the Real Madrid loanee completed his hat-trick in the 84th minute.

Antoine Hainaut pulled another goal back for Venezia, but Fiorentina held on to secure a 4-2 victory and their first points of the Serie A season.

A SPECTACULAR WAY TO BREAK THE DROUGHT

Mastantuono had attempted ten shots without scoring across his first three Serie A appearances. His breakthrough was worth the wait: instead of opening his account with a single goal, he collected his first three in one match.

According to Viola Nation, the 19-year-old became the youngest Fiorentina player to score a Serie A hat-trick and the ninth-youngest hat-trick scorer in the competition’s history. He was also the first Fiorentina player to score three league goals in one game since Moise Kean against Hellas Verona in 2024.

MADRID RETAIN CONTROL OF HIS DEVELOPMENT

Real Madrid officially loaned Mastantuono to Fiorentina until 30 June 2027. Lega Serie A described the arrangement as a straight loan, while the player remains under a long-term Real Madrid contract running until 2031.

The Argentine made 35 appearances and scored three goals for Madrid in all competitions last season. With fierce competition restricting his minutes, a temporary move offered him the opportunity to play regularly without forcing the club into a premature decision about his future.

One exceptional performance cannot determine Mastantuono’s long-term role at the Santiago Bernabéu. It can, however, demonstrate why Madrid chose patience. The club has retained a highly regarded young player while giving him the competitive platform required to develop, and the first significant return has now arrived.