Hellas Verona head coach Paolo Zanetti showered praise on Gift Orban after the Nigerian forward delivered a match-winning cameo in a thrilling 2–1 away victory over Fiorentina on Sunday, December 14.
Thrown into the action in the 35th minute following an injury to Giovane, Orban made an instant impact.
Just seven minutes after his introduction, the former Super Eagles invitee coolly opened the scoring, guiding a precise finish beyond David de Gea after a perfectly timed pass from Moatasem Al-Musrati.
Fiorentina responded in the 69th minute, as Moise Kean’s strike deflected off Unai Núñez to restore parity and set up a tense finale.
When the contest appeared destined for a draw, Orban rose to the occasion once more. Striking in the dying moments, he netted a dramatic winner to secure all three points for Verona and cap a decisive individual performance.
Speaking after the match, Zanetti explained that recent tactical decisions had seen Mosquera preferred for his specific attributes, but stressed that Orban has always been central to his plans.
“I’m very happy for him,” Zanetti said in comments relayed by Spaziocalcio.
“In recent matches, I had chosen Mosquera for his characteristics, but I’ve always said Orban is an important player. Today, he made a big step forward for us.”
The TSG Hoffenheim loanee has now scored four goals in 12 Serie A appearances this season, starting ten matches and underlining his growing influence in Verona’s campaign.
