When AS Roma walked onto the pitch at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 5, 2025, the stakes felt higher than a derby. The Serie A clash in Florence delivered a 2-1 victory thanks to early strikes from Moise Kean and Matías Soulé, while Bryan Cristante sealed the win before half‑time. The win not only gave Roma three extra points but also extended their historical edge over city rivals ACF Fiorentina – a narrative that still matters to fans across Italy.
Tactical Overview and Starting Line‑ups
Both sides opted for a 3‑4‑2‑1 shape, a modern twist that forced the midfield to become a battleground. Fiorentina trusted veteran David De Gea between the posts, backed by a back three of Marin Pongračić, Pablo Marí and captain Luca Ranieri. In midfield, Dodo and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia shuffled with Rolando Mandragora and Robin Gosens, while Jacopo Fazzini and Albert Gudmundsson attempted to feed lone striker Moise Kean.
Roma mirrored the formation but with a different flavor. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar guarded the net, protected by a trio of Mehmet Zeki Celik, Gianluca Mancini and Evan N'Dicka. Their midfield engine featured Wesley, the experienced Bryan Cristante, Kouadio Koné and Konstantinos Tsimikas, while Matías Soulé and Tommaso Baldanzi acted as link‑up men for forward Artem Dovbyk.
Here's the thing: the symmetry made the half‑hour opening a chess match, each side probing for space. In reality, Roma's route‑playing midfielders found pockets earlier, a nuance that paid off quickly.
Key Moments and Goal Timeline
At 14 minutes, Moise Kean latched onto a through ball, slipped past De Gea and tucked the ball low. The goal felt inevitable once Roma's high press forced a mis‑control by Fiorentina’s Dodo. The crowd erupted; even the most stoic Florentine fans could not hide a gasp.
Less than ten minutes later, Soulé struck again. From the left flank, he cut inside, curled a low effort that brushed the post and then found the net on the rebound. By the 22nd minute Roma were up 2‑0, and the momentum was clearly theirs.
Fiorentina clawed back at 30 minutes. A set‑piece from the right delivered a header that beat Svilar, and the Azzurri celebrated a fleeting lifeline. The goal came after a tactical shift – Fiorentina introduced Edin Džeko for Mandragora, hoping his experience would steady the midfield.
But Roma answered in the 30th minute. Cristante, who had been dropping deep to shield the defense, surged forward and lobbed a precise pass to Dovbyk, whose one‑touch finish doubled the lead. The scoreline frozen at 2‑1 for the rest of the game.
Substitutions, Injuries and Their Impact
Both coaches tinkered with their benches. In the 59th minute, Roma's Paulo Dybala replaced Dovbyk, adding a creative spark that helped maintain possession. The same minute, Lorenzo Pellegrini entered for Baldanzi, reinforcing the midfield’s pressing game.
Fiorentina, meanwhile, brought on Pietro Comuzzo for Marí at 75 minutes and later swapped Dodo for Niccolò Fortini. The changes aimed to inject fresh legs but were too little, too late.
Injury lists also shaped the contest. Fiorentina missed Tariq Lamptey, Simon Sohm and Christian Kouamé, while Roma were without Edoardo Bove, Angelino and Leon Bailey. Those absences forced both managers to adjust tactics on short notice.
But wait – the fourth official, Luca Massimi, and VAR crew including Daniele Chiffi kept the game flowing, so there were no controversial calls to mar the result.
Historical Rivalry and Statistical Context
The numbers tell a story. Before this match, Roma had won 19 of the 36 Serie A meetings with Fiorentina, while the Viola recorded 10 victories and 7 draws. This win pushes Roma’s edge to a 19‑10‑7 record – a margin that has persisted for over a decade.
Pre‑match betting markets expected a low‑scoring affair – under 2.5 goals at odds of –143, implying a 58.8 % chance. In reality, the game produced three goals, and experts later argued the true probability of under 2.5 goals was closer to 65‑70 %. The result therefore slightly exceeded market expectations, rewarding those who backed a ‘both‑teams‑to‑score’ option.
Reactions and What This Means for Serie A
Roma coach José Luis Garcia praised his side’s “early intensity” and highlighted the depth of the squad, especially the impact of substitutes Dybala and Pellegrini. He noted that the victory keeps Roma within striking distance of the top three, a crucial position after only six rounds.
Fiorentina’s manager, Vincenzo Montella, admitted the club “didn’t capitalize on chances” and warned that the injury list could force a reshuffle ahead of the next round. He emphasized the need to tighten the defense, especially against fast‑breaking sides like Roma.
Fans on social media were split – Roma supporters celebrated on Instagram with #RomaWin, while Fiorentina’s followers expressed frustration, posting clips of the missed opportunities. The match’s intensity, combined with the historic rivalry, ensured a highlight reel that will replay on sports channels all week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Roma's standing in Serie A?
The win lifts Roma to 12 points after six matches, keeping them in contention for a top‑four finish. With two games left before the winter break, the three points could prove decisive in the race for European competition.
Which Fiorentina players were unavailable and why?
Fiorentina missed Tariq Lamptey (muscle strain), Simon Sohm (ankle sprain) and Christian Kouamé (hamstring injury). Their absences forced manager Montella to adjust the midfield and attack, impacting the team's fluidity.
What were the key tactical changes made by Roma during the match?
Garcia introduced Dybala and Pellegrini in the second half to maintain pressure and reinforce the midfield. The shift allowed Roma to control possession in the final 30 minutes, limiting Fiorentina’s chances.
How did the referee and VAR crew influence the game?
Referee Andrea Colombo kept a steady flow, issuing only two yellow cards. VAR officials Daniele Chiffi and Matteo Gariglio reviewed a potential offside that was ultimately ruled out, confirming the three‑goal result.
What does the historical head‑to‑head record suggest about future encounters?
Roma’s 19‑10‑7 advantage indicates a psychological edge that could influence future fixtures. However, Fiorentina’s recent squad rebuild means the gap may narrow if they address defensive frailties.
julia mutambara October 6, 2025
What a thrilling showcase of Roma’s growing confidence at the Artemio Franchi; the early tempo set the tone for a match that will be remembered for weeks. From the first pass, you could sense the collective belief that the squad had been cultivating under Garcia’s guidance. The way Kean found space behind De Gea reminded us that quick transitions are a hallmark of modern Serie A. Soulé’s clever cut‑inside movement added a layer of unpredictability that kept the Viola guessing. Even the defensive trio of Celik, Mancini and N'Dicka displayed composure, allowing the midfield to dictate play. Cristante’s late surge was not just a goal but a statement that experience can still tip the balance in tight affairs. Dybala’s introduction in the second half energized the side, proving that depth matters in a congested calendar. The tactical symmetry you highlighted earlier really became a chess match, with each side probing for gaps. It was refreshing to see both coaches willing to adapt, substituting with purposeful intent rather than desperation. The injury list, while unfortunate, presented an opportunity for younger players to step up and showcase resilience. Fans across the city felt the electric atmosphere, a vivid reminder of why the rivalry still matters. Statistically, the 19‑10‑7 record continues to cement Roma’s psychological edge, but the numbers also hint at a narrowing margin if Fiorentina refines their defence. The betting markets were slightly off, and that serves as a reminder that football often defies cold calculations. Looking ahead, maintaining this intensity could very well propel Roma into a top‑four slot, especially if they keep rotating wisely. In any case, the match served as a masterclass in blending youthful vigor with seasoned poise, a combination that any team would cherish. Let’s celebrate this victory while staying humble, because the season is long and every point counts.
Tyler Tucker October 7, 2025
Roma just blew Fiorentina out the park it was pure drama not much else.
Nelleke Elston October 9, 2025
Honestly the match wasn't that groundbreaking – a couple of early goals and the game was decided before the half‑hour, so calling it a "thriller" feels a bit overhyped. The tactical analysis is nice but the teams basically played the same shape and whoever got the first chance won.
aishwarya singh October 10, 2025
It was cool to see both sides stick to the 3‑4‑2‑1 and still manage some fluid movement. The fans got their share of excitement, especially when Kean slipped past De Gea. I think the match showed why the rivalry stays fresh – small moments can change the vibe. The overall vibe was positive, even though Fiorentina tried to rally.
Ajay Kumar October 12, 2025
Man, that gmae was a real rollercoaster! Kean's strike was like a thunderbolt, and S0ulé's goal? Pure magic, bro. Even tho the Fi0rentinA had a header, they wern't ready for RomA's sledgehammer. The subs gave it a fresh spin, especially Dybala who lit up the pitch. Gotta love the way the ball danced in that arena.
somiya Banerjee October 14, 2025
Seeing Roma dominate in Florence fills my heart with pride! Those early strikes were a statement that our side refuses to be bullied on anyone's soil. The passion of the Azzurri fans echoing across the stadium was simply electrifying. Let the rivals try, we’ll keep proving why we’re the true kings of Italian football.
Rahul Verma October 15, 2025
Ever wonder why VAR never called that offside on Dovbyk it’s like they’re protecting something deeper the league hiding agendas
Vishnu Das October 17, 2025
Interesting point, Rahul! While it's easy to suspect hidden motives, sometimes a missed call is just human error. The officials did a decent job overall, and the game's flow remained exciting. Let's appreciate the players' effort and enjoy the match's drama without jumping to conclusions.
sandeep sharma October 19, 2025
Wow, Ajay, you nailed the excitement! That game was a roller‑coaster for sure. Keep that fire alive, and let's hope the next fixtures bring even more thrills. The energy on the pitch was contagious, and I can't wait for more action.
pragya bharti October 20, 2025
One could say that football mirrors life's ebb and flow; in this case, the early dominance by Roma reflects the inevitable surge of confidence when preparation meets opportunity. Yet the fleeting comeback by Fiorentina reminds us that perseverance can still surface, even against the odds.
ARPITA DAS October 22, 2025
While some may dismiss the spectacle as mere routine, the nuanced interplay of strategic pressure and positional discipline betrays a deeper narrative-one where Roma's tactical foresight subtly outmaneuvers Fiorentina's nominal attempts at resurgence. It's a ballet of intellect concealed beneath the veneer of a simple 2‑1 result.
Sung Ho Paik October 23, 2025
✨ The match indeed showcased a harmonious blend of youthful vigor and seasoned poise, echoing the philosophical balance between chaos and order. It's a reminder that sport, like life, thrives on the interplay of energy and wisdom. 🎯
Sanjay Kumar October 25, 2025
All that fancy talk just hides the fact Roma were better yeah stats speak for themselves
Veena Baliga October 27, 2025
Indeed, the performance underscores the strategic superiority of our club, and it is imperative that we continue to invest in disciplined training and tactical acuity to maintain our preeminence in Italian football.