Pellegrino best in Europe for headed goals, but Fiorentina's crosses fall short

Pellegrino leads Europe with 9 headed goals this season, but Fiorentina ranks last in Serie A for open-play crosses, limiting his aerial threat.

Mateo Pellegrino has emerged as one of Europe's most prolific headers this season, scoring 9 headed goals in Serie A since March 2025 — a tally matched only by Osasuna's Ante Budimir among the continent's top five leagues. The 192cm Argentine striker demonstrated his aerial prowess again on Sunday against Juventus, rising to meet a Pedro Gonçalves corner and giving Fiorentina the lead.

Yet Fiorentina's attacking approach under Vanoli appears to underutilize Pellegrino's greatest strength. The club ranks last in Serie A for open-play crosses alongside Milan, averaging just over 11 per 90 minutes compared to Juventus's league-leading 198.

Instead, wingers Mastantuono and Njie play with inverted feet, cutting inside to shoot rather than deliver crosses. Mastantuono ranks second in total shots with 44 attempts, and Pellegrino has already scored 4 goals this season — double his tally from last year — despite the lack of service from the wings.

Analysts suggest Vanoli could occasionally vary the approach, having his wingers swap flanks and cross with their stronger foot, as was common in earlier eras. However, such tactical adjustments remain uncommon in modern football.