Roma players and their manager, Jose Mourinho, refused to attend the post-match conference following a tense 1-1 draw against Fiorentina. According to multiple reports in Italy, Giallorossi rebelled against the match officials, blaming referees for being knocked down from a seven-game winning run at the Stadio Olimpico.
When Lukaku turned home Paulo Dybala’s inviting low cross in the fifth minute to open the scoring, Roma must have thought they were on course to extend their four-match winning home streak against Fiorentina. However, things went sideways as Dybala and his successor, Sardar Azmoun, succumbed to injuries while Zalewski and Lukaku received their marching orders.
It’s in Mourinho’s nature to point fingers and blame referees whenever things don’t go his side’s way. But truth be told, none of Antonio Rapuano’s calls were off the mark. Zalewski was on a yellow when he mistimed his sliding tackle on Michael Kayode at the halfway line. It was an unnecessary challenge.
As for Lukaku, it was a textbook definition of a horror tackle. His mindless tackle caught Christian Kouame just under the knee. It was pure luck that he didn’t break the Fiorentina winger’s leg. Any referee on the planet would’ve sent him off for that without any need to consult with the VAR room.
On top of the duo’s cynical challenges, Roma didn’t deserve to win today. Mourinho tried to copy-paste the Milan and Juventus’ recipe as they defeated Fiorentina by a goal ‘to nil’ each despite spending most of their matches on the back foot, defending. Sooner or later, Vincenzo Italiano’s side had to reap the benefits of their attacking football.
Unfortunately for Mourinho, it happened this evening. Lucas Martinez-Quarta dismantled his ‘bus’ in front of Rui Patricio’s goal. But the Argentine’s header was the least Fiorentina deserved tonight. They were a far better opponent, boasting 66% possession and 14 shots on goal, including eight on target.
On that basis, Roma and Mourinho should think twice before pointing fingers at the others.
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