Serie A Week 37 – 9/5/10 – Stadio Franchi – Ref: Tozzi
Strikers: Vergassola 3 (S), Marchionni 16 (F)
Fiorentina fought back for a draw in this timid derby that ended the campaign on a low note.
This was a Tuscan derby, but one shorn of a competitive nature, as Fiorentina were already out of the running for Europe and Siena’s relegation was sealed last weekend. Both Coaches took the opportunity to test out some new faces.
In part this was forced upon them, as Mario Alberto Santana, Juan Manuel Vargas, Alessandro Gamberini, Gianluca Comotto and Babacar were sidelined. The vistors missed Francesco Pratali and Francesco Parravicini.
Siena took the lead almost immediately. Massimo Maccarone’s cross from the left was knocked down by Albin Ekdal for Simone Vergassola to volley in from seven yards.
Fiorentina equalised when Stevan Jovetic went on a slalom through the Siena defence and the ball eventually found its way to the on-rushing Marco Marchionni to tap in undisturbed at the back post.
Cesare Natali nodded an Adem Ljajic free kick just over, though it was Jovetic who was taking control with a series of solo efforts.
Alberto Gilardino replaced Keirrison for the second half, but Sebastien Frey had to beat away a Maccarone snapshot and Emanuele Calaio’ left-foot strike. Gianluca Curci palmed Massimo Gobbi’s angled drive round the post and had his palms stung by Riccardo Montolivo’s missile.
Siena nearly won it on 86 minutes when substitute Larrondo received from Jajalo to turn in the box, but he thumped the upright when one-on-one with Frey.