)
Roma’s faint hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in Serie A came to an end after a loss in Florence.
Jose Mourinho will be under immense pressure to deliver the Europa League for AS Roma after their Champions League qualification hopes ended in Serie A following a 2-1 defeat in their clash against Fiorentina at Artemio Franchi Stadium on Saturday evening.
Roma came into the game on the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw against Salernitana, with Jose Mourinho fielding a second-string side.
How it happened
The Portuguese boss had his eye on the Europa League final clash against Sevilla and decided to field a fringe team, resting most of his first-team players.
But despite the absence of stars like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma started quite well, putting Fiorentina under early pressure.
The early pressure paid off as a perfect combination between Andrea Belotti and Ola Solbakken set up Stephan El Sharaawy for the opener.
Fiorentina did wake up after conceding the opener, with the home side putting Roma on the back foot.
Vicenzo Italiano’s men came close to equalising twice but were denied Mile Svilar in Roma’s goal.
They almost paid for those missed chances as Roma had the chance to double their advantage late in the half.
)
23:55 - 26.05.2023
Mourinho's Roma quote ₦22b for ex-Chelsea star Tammy Abraham
Serie A side AS Roma are reportedly willing to listen to offers for British-Nigerian striker Tammy Abraham.
However, Michele Cerefolini stopped Belotti and El Shaarawy to ensure the home side went into the break with just a goal deficit.
Jovic and Ikone break Roma’s hearts
The second half resumed with Fiorentina playing most of the ball in Roma’s half. The Yellow and Reds were happy to sit back and defend their 1-0 lead.
It looked to be working as Fiorentina struggled to create clear-cut chances. However, just as it appeared Roma would go on to win it, Luka Jovic slotted home from close range with five minutes left.
)
06:21 - 19.05.2023
Angry Leverkusen players slam Jose Mourinho for ugly tactics as Roma reach Europa League final
Jose Mourinho was criticised for utilising ugly tactics to help Roma withstand the attacking barrage of German side Bayer Leverkusen and seal a place in the Europa League final
Jovic’s goal gave Fiorentina life as they went on to win through Jonathan Ikone’s similar strike in the 88th minute.
Roma did try to force an equaliser but they could not muster any chance. The defeat ended their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League via the league, with everything now on the line in their Europa League final clash against Sevilla.
Related content
)
12:17 - 27.05.2023
Ex-Manchester United player reveals why Osimhen is ‘the toughest to defend against’
Former Manchester United defender believes Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen
23:55 - 26.05.2023
Mourinho's Roma quote ₦22b for ex-Chelsea star Tammy Abraham
Serie A side AS Roma are reportedly willing to listen to offers for British-Nigerian striker Tammy Abraham.
)
13:53 - 26.05.2023
Juventus to leapfrog Roma in Europa League spot and other Serie A betting tips
This weekend sees the continuation of the Serie A games as we look forward to the last two games of the season. We have made available some possible outcomes and betting tips for this weekend's Serie A fixtures.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)