Roma, resounding thud in Bulgaria. Fiorentina also disappoints

Ludogorets Razgrad – Roma 2-1 and Fiorentina – Rigas Futbola Skola 1-1

Sensational in the Europa League, sensational in Bulgaria. Roma proved that the Udine blowout was probably no fluke, losing 2-1 to lowly Ludogorets Razgrad on the first day of the Europa League group stage.

With ‘Gallo’ Belotti starting for the first time, Jose Mourinho’s lineup looked listless and lacking in determination. On a pitch at the limits of practicability, the hosts approached the match better, finding the lead in the 72nd minute with Cauly. Substitute Shomurodov tied the score in the 86th minute, but just 2 minutes later came the cold shower signed by Nonato, who gave the Bulgarians a dream night.

It doesn’t go much better for Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina, which hosted Latvian team Rigas Futbola Skola at the ‘Franchi’ in the Conference League match. After a first half with a few untapped chances, the Viola found the lead through Antonin Barak, in his first goal with his new jersey. The mockery was just around the corner, however, and was served in the 74th minute by Ilic, who froze the home crowd: it ended 1-1.