Fiorentina file: Fiorentina 2 Roma 0
Fiorentina easily disposed of Roma last night.
We were awarded a penalty in the opening minutes, converted by Nico Gonzalez and later Giacometti Bonaventura added a second.
Roma – managed by Jose Mourinho and with some well known Premiership names in the team (Chris Smalling, Rui Patricio in goal and Tammy Abraham up front) were very poor and Mourinho might get the sack from Roma if they lose the Conference final (a junior Europa League, itself a junior Champions League) this Saturday to Feyernord.
Fiorentina ‘s recent form has been patchy, losing 0-4 to Udiness.
Vlahavic has gone and la Viola have brought in both Jonathan Ikone from Lille and Cabral.
The real star is head coach Vincenzo Italiano who is rapidly acquiring an excellent reputation.
Club owner Rocco Commisso is a winner.
He was born in poverty after the Second World War in Calabria.
He came to the states, was no mean footballer at Columbia University, and built up Mediacom to become one of the tech and media giants.
He is said to be worth $7.6 billion
He is a hard man – impatient with the planning restrictions that have impeded his plans to develop a training centre and improve the stadium.
He does not like agents and makes it clear he regards young footballers as grossly overpaid.
Last night’s game was key for both clubs. Roma would be looking to catch rivals Lazio who are 3 points ahead and Fiorentina the sixth qualification position. Fiorentina succeeded, Roma failed.
