Roma 1-0 Fiorentina – Dovbyk strikes, Svilar preserves
Roma vs Fiorentina
In a tightly contested Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico, AS Roma clinched their third consecutive 1-0 victory by edging out Fiorentina, with a solitary goal from Artem Dovbyk proving the difference in a match that temporarily propelled the Giallorossi into fourth place. The encounter, characterized by Roma’s disciplined defensive structure and clinical opportunism, underscored their remarkable resurgence under Claudio Ranieri, whose pragmatic approach has transformed a season that once seemed destined for mediocrity. Fiorentina, despite their spirited efforts and moments of promise, were unable to penetrate Roma’s compact shape, leaving them frustrated and further adrift in the race for a European spot. Dovbyk’s 12th Serie A goal of the season, ending a four-match barren run, was the decisive moment, but it was goalkeeper Mile Svilar’s heroics that ensured Roma’s slender lead held firm against a Fiorentina side that fought valiantly but lacked the cutting edge to capitalize on their pressure. The result tightened the battle for the final Champions League qualification spot, with Roma’s unbeaten run igniting hope among their supporters, while Fiorentina’s struggles highlighted the challenges facing Raffaele Palladino as he balances domestic and European ambitions.
From the opening whistle, Roma showcased the defensive solidity that has become their hallmark under Ranieri’s stewardship. The Giallorossi, deploying a compact and disciplined shape, stifled Fiorentina’s attacking ambitions, limiting their opponents to half-chances and forcing them to operate in tight spaces. Roma’s backline, marshaled superbly by Gianluca Mancini and Evan Ndicka, was impenetrable, with wing-backs Zeki Çelik and Angeliño tucking in to form a five-man defensive unit that left little room for Fiorentina’s forwards to exploit. In midfield, Bryan Cristante and Leandro Paredes worked tirelessly to disrupt Fiorentina’s rhythm, while Lorenzo Pellegrini, tasked with orchestrating Roma’s attacks, struggled to impose himself in a congested and physical battle. The game’s physicality and Fiorentina’s high press made it difficult for Roma to build fluidly from the back, but their patience and organization ensured they remained untroubled for long spells. The breakthrough arrived in a moment of opportunism from Artem Dovbyk, whose persistence paid off despite a challenging evening against Fiorentina’s robust defenders, Pablo Marí and Marin Pongračić. The Ukrainian striker, who had endured a four-match goal drought, latched onto a loose ball in the box following a rare defensive lapse from Fiorentina. With defenders closing in, Dovbyk showed composure to slot the ball past David De Gea, sparking wild celebrations among the Roma faithful. The goal, his 12th in Serie A, was a testament to his ability to deliver in clutch moments, even when his link-up play was curtailed by relentless pressure from Fiorentina’s backline.
While Dovbyk’s goal was the defining moment in attack, it was Mile Svilar’s heroics in goal that truly secured the victory for Roma. The young goalkeeper, who has emerged as one of Serie A’s standout performers, produced a string of outstanding saves to thwart Fiorentina’s attempts to equalize. Early in the match, Svilar denied Moise Kean with a reflex save at the near post, setting the tone for a performance that would prove decisive. As Fiorentina ramped up the pressure in the second half, Svilar stood tall, parrying a fierce drive from Rolando Mandragora and reacting instinctively to tip a curling effort from Albert Gudmundsson over the bar. His composure under pressure and ability to command his area were crucial in preserving Roma’s lead, particularly as Fiorentina threw bodies forward in the closing stages. Svilar’s performance earned him a joint-top rating alongside Dovbyk, with both players embodying Roma’s blend of clinical finishing and defensive resilience. Claudio Ranieri, reflecting on the win, deserved credit for instilling a sense of belief and discipline in a squad that has defied expectations. His rating of 6.5 reflected Roma’s solidity and focus, qualities that have propelled them into contention for a Champions League spot and rekindled hope in a fanbase that had grown accustomed to disappointment earlier in the season.
Fiorentina, by contrast, left the Stadio Olimpico with a sense of frustration, as their inability to convert pressure into goals cost them dearly. Raffaele Palladino, caught between conserving energy for a crucial Europa League semi-final and maintaining Fiorentina’s push for a European spot in Serie A, opted for a balanced approach that at times left his side playing with the handbrake on. The Viola’s starting lineup featured a mix of regulars and rotation players, with De Gea, Kean, and Mandragora tasked with leading the charge. Kean, in particular, was a constant threat, engaging in a personal duel with Svilar that saw him test the Roma goalkeeper on multiple occasions. His work rate and willingness to battle Roma’s tight marking earned him a rating of 6.5, but his lack of support in the final third highlighted Fiorentina’s struggles. Nicolò Zaniolo, booed relentlessly by the Roma fans due to his past association with the club, endured a torrid evening, with his limited involvement in Fiorentina’s attacking play earning him the lowest rating of 5.5. Zaniolo’s inability to link up with Kean or create meaningful chances was symptomatic of Fiorentina’s broader issues, as they struggled to break down Roma’s well-organized defense despite enjoying periods of possession.
The match was not without its contentious moments, as Fiorentina felt aggrieved by several refereeing decisions that went against them. Early in the second half, a robust challenge on Mandragora in the Roma box was waved away, prompting protests from the Fiorentina bench. Later, a potential handball by Ndicka was dismissed, further fueling the visitors’ sense of injustice. These incidents, while not decisive, disrupted Fiorentina’s rhythm and allowed Roma to maintain their defensive structure. Palladino’s substitutions, including the introduction of Nicolò Fagioli, Andrea Colpani, and Gudmundsson, injected fresh energy, but Roma’s resilience ensured that Fiorentina’s late pressure came to nothing. De Gea, at the other end, played a crucial role in keeping Fiorentina in the game, with a series of smart saves to deny Stephan El Shaarawy and Tammy Abraham, earning him a rating of 6.5. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent Fiorentina’s defeat, as Roma’s efficiency in attack and solidity at the back proved the difference.
As the final whistle blew, Roma’s players and fans celebrated a victory that underscored their transformation into one of Serie A’s most formidable units. Ranieri’s pragmatic approach, while not always aesthetically pleasing, has delivered results, with Roma’s three consecutive 1-0 wins showcasing their ability to grind out victories in tight contests. The contrast with Fiorentina, who have struggled to balance their domestic and European commitments, was stark. Palladino’s side, despite their talent and moments of promise, lacked the ruthlessness needed to capitalize on their pressure, leaving them to rue missed opportunities. For Roma, the win was a statement of intent in the race for the Champions League, with Dovbyk and Svilar emerging as the heroes of a night that could prove pivotal in their season. As they turn their attention to their next fixture, Roma carry the momentum of an unbeaten run that has defied all expectations, while Fiorentina must regroup and refocus to keep their European hopes alive. At the Stadio Olimpico, this was a night of triumph for the Giallorossi, whose blend of grit and guile secured a vital three points in the most competitive of races.
