Fiorentina vs AS Roma: It is Europa League or bust for Mourinho’s men

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. 

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. 

However, Michele Cerefolini stopped Belotti and El Shaarawy to ensure the home side went into the break with just a goal deficit. 

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. 

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.