By Petar Todorovski
Francesco Totti’s immortality is even greater now, having 200 goals behind his name. The Prince of Rome scored twice to secure a point for his team on the 2-2 match against Fiorentina. Adrian Mutu and Alessandro Gamberini brought Viola in leading position twice, but Roma captain managed to equalize twice.
Coach Vincenzo Montella fielded an attack line that has never played before this season. Totti started together with super creative Jeremy Menez, while Rodrigo Taddei completed the line up.
However, hosts were those ho had more of the game in the beginning. The greatest chance was missed by Alberto Gilardino, whose shot finished wide after Valon Behrami’s pass.
The lead arrived few minutes later. Adrian Mutu reminded on his best days, passing easy by Juan and sent the ball between Doni’s legs. The joy lasted only five minutes, as referee Mazzoleini awarded Lupi an 11 meters spot kick, when Gianluca Commotto brought down John Arne Riise. Totti took the responsibility and fired powerfully in his manner. Artur Boruc had no chance to save it and the result was 1-1.
Nevertheless, hosts still wanted the victory more than the rivals and continued to seek for another leading goal. That made them vulnerable in defense, which gave Roma some great chances to take the advantage. However, Jeremy Menez lacked concentration, and let Viola take the lead two minutes later. Adrian Mutu passed the ball to defender Alessandro Gamberini, who headed into the net of Cristiano Doni.
Fiorentina kept attacking after the break and almost doubled the lead early in the second half, but Vargas’ volley ended in the cross bar. Two minutes later, the punishment arrived. Totti managed to control well the ball passed by Riise and fired into the far corner to level the result.
Four goals were scored in 52 minutes, and there stopped everything. There were no great scoring opportunity, except that for Vargas and Gilardino, whose finishes were not good enough.
Vincenzo Montella was pleased with the result. “We tried until the end of the second half as it was played in a different way regarding the quality. Physically we were better of Fiorentina, it was the first time. We train hard, the boys respond well and we see a steady growth on the physical plan,” said Montella.
Now Roma is sixth, but they are six points behind in-form Undinese in the battle for Champions League place for the next season. They will play with Juventus at home next weekend.
