Gasperini’s World Upside Down: Fiorentina’s Home Woes as Roma Dominates Early Season

Fiorentina has had a profoundly disappointing start to the championship campaign, managing only three draws and suffering two defeats. This performance falls significantly short of expectations, both in terms of play and results. Conversely, Roma has enjoyed an excellent beginning, finding themselves at the top of the league table after the fifth matchday.

For the team currently coached by Vincenzo Italiano (the original article referenced Pioli), the Stadio Franchi, traditionally considered a home advantage, has proven problematic. They have collected two losses in as many home matches. This starkly contrasts with the previous season, when their home ground was a crucial factor in securing a sixth-place finish.

Looking at historical head-to-head encounters at the Franchi, Fiorentina maintains a positive track record against Roma, boasting a streak of four consecutive unbeaten results (three victories and one draw). This includes a resounding 5-1 triumph last season, which undoubtedly marked a high point for the Viola squad.

Roma`s most recent victory in Florence dates back to March 3, 2021, a match that concluded 1-2. In that fixture, Leonardo Spinazzola played a dual role, scoring to put the Giallorossi ahead but also netting an unfortunate own goal, before Amadou Diawara secured the decisive winning goal in the 88th minute.

This season in Serie A, Roma has showcased remarkable defensive resilience, proving exceptionally difficult to breach. They have kept clean sheets in four of their five matches played. Curiously, Gian Piero Gasperini`s Atalanta also appears to have adopted a more pragmatic and defensive approach than usual, conceding very few goals and not scoring as prolifically. This tactical reversal, a significant shift from Gasperini`s traditional attacking philosophy, makes it seem as though his “world has turned upside down,” almost adopting a defensive solidity akin to what one might expect from a Roman side.