Cristiano Biraghi's cheeky halfway goal stuns Verona

Fiorentina left back Cristiano Biraghi catches Verona out with cheeky free-kick from inside his OWN HALF as the ball sails over the goalkeeper while opposition players are still protesting to referee

• Cristiano Biraghi has scored one of Serie A’s goals of the season against Verona
• The Italian Fiorentina midfielder scored from the halfway line with a cheeky lob
• Verona players fumed that the goal shouldn’t have been allowed to stand 

Cristiano Biraghi’s audacious halfway line goal caused chaos in Serie A as his strike further dampened Verona’s survival hopes.

Biraghi secured victory as his 89th-minute goal saw Fiorentina wrap up a dominant performance against one of the league’s relegation favourites. 

But it was the nature of his effort that caused an eruption of anger inside stadium Marcantonio Bentegodi

Biraghi capitalised on a moment of confusion as Fiorentina won a free-kick inside the centre circle in the game’s dying embers.

Visiting midfielder Rolando Mandragora was fouled and while still remaining on the ground saw his team-mate lob the ball over nearby players and into a virtually open goal.

Cristiano Biraghi (left) caused chaos after his halfway line chip for Fiorentina on Sunday

The Italian’s chip caused Verona players to fume as they felt the goal should not have stood

The referee had blown his whistle for the free-kick to be taken but it appears only Biraghi was paying attention as those around him continued to discuss the previous foul.

One Verona player was even helping the injured Madragora in his recovery as the nearby ball was rocketed goalbound. 

The hosts goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo was caught off his line by the sudden shot and was unable to regather the yards needed as a desperate hand swiped to try and keep the ball out.

Biraghi strikes the ball from the halfway line while injured team-mate Rolando Mandragora remained on the ground

HIs effort sailed over Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo (pictured) who had been caught off his line

Biraghi (middle) re-enacted the famous celebration of former Fiorentina player Davide Astori

Television commentators, fans inside the ground and players were initially confused as to what had just unfolded while Biraghi ran to the corner flag to celebrate.

His celebration then evoked further ferocity from the baying crowd as the goalscorer paid homage to former Fiorentina captain Davide Astori.

Astori passed away in 2018 on the eve of his side’s clash against Udinese after being found unresponsive in his hotel room. It was later revealed that he had suffered a heart problem in his sleep.

Some Verona players had to be held back at full-time as they sought to give Biraghi a piece of their mind after the Italian’s outstanding long-distance effort.

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