Fiorentina 0-1 Roma

Posted Monday, February 08, 2010 by Goal.com

Claudio Ranieri's side go second after a classic smash and grab win in Florence.

Roma have vaulted into second place in Serie A courtesy of a late win in Florence thanks to Mirko Vucinic. The Viola dominated for the majority of the game but wasted their best chances and were punished by an 80th minute goal smashed home by the Montenegrin.

Fiorentina bossed the first half against a Roma side who came into the match on the back of seven consecutive victories. Viola coach Cesare Prandelli gave January signing Mario Bolatti his first Serie A start and the Argentinian slotted into the midfield with ease.

The hosts should have gone into the break at least two goals to the good as firstly they had the ball in the net through Juan Vargas. The Peruvian capitalised on a loose ball in the 20th minute after Riccardo Montolivo's cross/shot found its way to Vargas inside the penalty area and he slotted home a neat finish only to see his effort ruled out for offside.

Replays suggested the subsequent Viola protests weren't without merit.

Vargas was involved again ten minutes later when his terrific volley was
instinctively saved by Julio Sergio at the near post. The Roma shot-stopper barely had time to compose himself as he repelled a Manuel Pasqual long ranger seconds later.

Claudio Ranieri's side looked a shadow of the in-form unit that have been rocketing up the table in the first half. A dangerous early cross from David Pizarro and a late strike from Mirko Vucinic which sailed over the bar were the highlights of their first 45 minutes.

With the half drawing towards its conclusion, it was left to Lorenzo De Silvestri to hang his head in shame after a dreadful miss. Riccardo Montolivo went on a box-to-box run after a neat touch inside his own half set him on his way. The captain broke forward and laid the ball off to De Silvestri, who was clean through on goal, but proceeded to slice his effort well shy of the goal.

The Giallorossi opted to shake things up for the second 45 minutes with Ranieri
withdrawing the subdued Totti for Julio Baptista up front. Within moments of his introduction the Romans should have gone in front through Mirko Vucinic who made a hash of his effort when a neat Riise dragback gave him the freedom of Florence only for the forward to miss the open goal.

Fiorentina maintained their first half tempo and dictated the play throughout the second 45 minutes. Alberto Gilardino was denied in the 50th minute at close range by another well-timed block by Julio Sergio after a terrific ball from
Jovetic played in the former Milan striker.

Baptista's introduction gave Roma some added muscle up-front, but the 'Beast'
frequently didn't have enough support to break the deadlock as the visitors played on the counter attack.

Prandelli's side continued to press and Gilardino tested the palms of Sergio again with an angled header which was aimed straight at the busy Roma keeper. The striker went close again after Stevan Jovetic stole possession from Juan down the left hand flank and curled in fast paced ball which Gilardino got a flick on but his touch lacked conviction.

The hosts wastefulness in front of goal came back to haunt them as they were hit by a classic sucker punch by the Giallorossi. Having offered little in the final third Ranieri's side stole the win through a set-piece goal in the 80th minute courtesy of Mirko Vucinic.

David Pizarro's accurate corner was met by Philippe Mexes who headed the ball in the direction of Vucinic who smashed home from close range. The Montenegrin didn't need an invite and unleashed a thunderbolt which sent the visiting support from the capital into raptures.

With the goal advantage the Romans looked the more likely to add to their lead as Viola heads sunk with Prandelli's men looking devoid of ideas. Five generous minutes of added time came to nothing for the hosts as Ranieri's side grabbed the three points and second spot in the table.