Former Everton striker Beto is already facing criticism in Italy after struggling to make an impact following his summer move to Fiorentina.
The Portuguese forward joined the Serie A club in September in a deal reportedly worth €18 million, arriving after Moise Kean's departure for Como.
However, his opening performances have raised questions about whether he can reproduce the form he showed during his previous spell with Udinese.
Beto criticised after difficult Fiorentina start
According to Italian outlet FirenzeViola, Beto has struggled to meet expectations during his first six Serie A appearances for Fiorentina.
The report questions whether the 28-year-old can rediscover the physical presence and attacking effectiveness that previously made him a dangerous striker in Italian football.
His latest appearance came during Sunday's 2–1 defeat to Inter Milan at San Siro.
Beto replaced Mateo Pellegrino in the 83rd minute, with Fiorentina leading 1–0 at the time.
However, Inter equalised through Marcus Thuram in stoppage time before Piotr Zieliński converted a late penalty to complete the comeback.
Beto had little time to influence the contest, although his continued role as a substitute highlights the challenge he faces in establishing himself under Paolo Vanoli.
Everton departure followed major Fiorentina investment
Fiorentina signed Beto permanently from Everton on 1 September as part of a busy summer transfer window.
The deal was reportedly worth €18m, while Kean's move to Como involved a loan with an obligation to buy valued at approximately €40m.
Beto had scored 20 goals in 99 Premier League appearances during his three seasons with Everton.
Although he struggled for consistency in England, his previous Serie A experience offered encouragement.
The striker scored 21 league goals across his final two seasons at Udinese before joining Everton in 2023.
Fiorentina reportedly explored a move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee before turning to Beto, making his arrival an important part of their attacking rebuild.
Paolo Vanoli faces attacking selection decisions
Beto's slow start comes during a difficult period for Fiorentina, who have struggled for consistency in Serie A.
Vanoli selected Pellegrino to start against Inter, with Beto again required to make an impact from the bench.
That competition leaves the former Everton forward needing to demonstrate why Fiorentina invested in his return to Italian football.
However, six league appearances remain a limited sample, and there is still time for Beto to establish himself.
Key Points
- Beto joined Fiorentina permanently from Everton in a reported €18m deal.
- FirenzeViola has questioned his early performances.
- The Portuguese striker has made six Serie A appearances.
- He came on in the 83rd minute of Fiorentina's 2–1 defeat to Inter.
- Beto previously scored 21 Serie A goals across two seasons at Udinese.
What's Next?
Beto will look to earn more playing time as Fiorentina attempt to improve their league form.
His immediate challenge is to convince Vanoli that he deserves a starting role ahead of the club's other attacking options.
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