That’s the main thought to come from Fiorentina’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Roma last Saturday at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
The Viola played one of their least inspiring matches of the season, falling to Radja Nainggolan’s first half strike in a match where the home side rarely gave the Giallorossi trouble.
Granted, with Ryder Matos and then Alessandro Matri both failing to lead the attacking front it’s difficult to ask much more from a squad that has had to play without the likes of Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gomez for longer than anticipated.
The attack’s inability to find the opposition goal was made even more evident by yet another anonymous performance from Josip Ilicic as the Slovenian international was jeered off the pitch in the 73rd minute.
His substitution exemplified what has by and far been the Viola’s biggest problem in recent weeks. Without their star performers in attack, Fiorentina have struggled to manufacture goals on a regular basis (with the match against Hellas Verona being the exception).
While the Viola produced a whopping 24 shots on goal against the Giallorossi, only three of those hit the target. Compare that Roma’s 13 shots on goal with four hitting the target and it shows just how wasteful and inconclusive Fiorentina have been in front of goal.
Another start for Josip Ilicic, another forgettable performance from the former Palermo man.
Thus while the defeat to Roma was difficult to stomach given that it means Inter are now only two points behind in the standings, it could serve as a welcome lesson for Vincenzo Montella moving forward.
Roma are largely viewed as being the side that have produced the most eye-appealing football this season.
While their victory over Fiorentina was by no means a classic in terms of beauty, Rudi Garcia’s men showed that they can grind out victories when need be.
That is one knock against Fiorentina that has always lingered since Montella took over just under two seasons ago. The hope is that the young 39-year-old tactician is making notes in his binder and taking pointers from Garcia when it comes to the tactics the Frenchman has brought to the Serie A this season.
With last week’s defeat over and done with the Viola will be squaring off against a Bologna side in desperate need of points to avoid relegation on Saturday afternoon.
Matri will be unavailable as he serves a one match ban meaning Montella will likely opt for an attacking trio of Josip Ilicic, Juan Cuadrado and Joaquin.
While unconventional on paper, it’s safe to say that the tactician’s hand is somewhat forced given Matos’ inability to translate his early Europa League form to the Serie A and Matri being as valuable as a poncho on a sunny day.
The Felsinei will no doubt be giving their all as they look to distance themselves from Sassuolo for that final non-relegation spot after the Neroverdi’s victory over Chievo last weekend.
With so much talk being devoted to Fiorentina’s upcoming Coppa Italia final against Napoli, it would be a mistake to underestimate the Rossoblu given their absolute need for all three points.
With Inter breathing down the Viola’s neck anything but a victory over Bologna would only complicate the final matchday’s for Montella and his men.
Given the unforeseen complications that have afflicted the club this season (ie. injuries, long bans) it would be best advised to avoid any unnecessary headaches for all parties involved as we enter the final sprint.
Follow Adriano Boin on Twitter: @Boin44
