Fiorentina 1-1 Roma: Highlights

Pre-match

Stefano Pioli opted for Kevin Mirallas ahead of Marko Pjaca, while Eusebio di Francesco turned to teenager Nicolò Zaniolo in midfield, partly due to a spate of injuries in that department.

First half

A dreadful backpass from Cengiz Ünder gave Giovanni Simeone all the time in the world to steal in and finish past Martin Olsen, but the Argentine’s touch was leaden and he gave the goalkeeper a chance to steal in ahead.

However, referee Luca Banti bafflingly ruled that the ensuing crunch was a penalty to Fiorentina without even consulting VAR, and Jordan Veretout buried the spot kick as he always does just after the half hour mark.

Second half

In the 85th minute, Aleksandr Kolarov drove in a cross from the left that Alban Lafont came off his line to punch clear. He didn’t get nearly enough on it, though, and the ball dropped for Alessandro Florenzi, who lashed a volley off the turf and into the back of the net to hand AS Roma a late draw.

Full time

Goals: Veretout PK 32’, Florenzi 85’

Cards: Biraghi 67’, Veretout 77’, Vitor Hugo 89’, Nzonzi 28’, Fazio 36’, Pellegrini 87’