Domenica Bastardi – Game 32 of 38: Fiorentina 1-0 Lazio: Tribuna experience, missed chances and Robin Gosens’ decider

Having only managed five Lazio games in 2026 so far, I could not pass up the chance to see Fiorentina vs Lazio right on my doorstep in Florence.

With Lazio fans banned, this was always going to be a different kind of experience. Thankfully, a friend sorted me a very good ticket in the Tribuna, something I was more than happy to accept. Still, as with Pisa earlier in the season, being surrounded by opposition fans is never easy. I can happily sit as a neutral anywhere, but supporting Lazio in the middle of Fiorentina fans always feels like walking a tightrope.

Liosa joined me, her first game since the final match of last season, and we made our way toward the stadium early after I managed to get the evening off.

We had hoped for a classic pre match sandwich and drink, but our usual spot had been replaced by a kebab shop. I will admit I was not convinced at first, but Liosa pushed for it and she was absolutely right. The kebab was excellent, the wine was cheap and there was beer. Job done.

I opted to head into the stadium early. Liosa agreed, though not without reminding me she would have happily stayed out for a couple more pre match wines.

After navigating the turnstiles, and Liosa reluctantly surrendering her umbrella, we got inside without any issues. Then came a surprise.

“Scott!”

I turned around to see Simone and Ladislav. A brilliant moment. Simone even tried to get me into the Moretti bar area with him, but my ticket had other ideas and I was rejected at the scanner. No problem, we headed to the public bar instead.

As expected in Italian stadiums, there was no wine, so Liosa had to settle for a beer.

While walking around, I spotted Lucio. This time it was my turn to shout his name. We spent the rest of the pre match together with beers in hand, talking Lazio and the madness of this season. Plans were made to meet after the game at La Guerrina before heading to our seats.

The Match

From a footballing perspective, it was a frustrating night and one that summed up Lazio’s inconsistency perfectly.

The Biancocelesti actually started brightly. Mattia Zaccagni had the game’s first big moment, cutting into a dangerous position and forcing a superb save from David De Gea, who reacted brilliantly to keep it out.

Shortly after, Matteo Cancellieri found himself in a very promising position, the kind of chance you expect to at least hit the target, but he wasted it and let Fiorentina off the hook.

Those early moments proved costly.

Fiorentina grew into the game and eventually made it count, running out 1 0 winners thanks to a goal from Robin Gosens. It was his third goal of the season and, frustratingly for Lazio, two of those have come against them.

From there, Lazio struggled to maintain control and the performance drifted into something far less convincing. Another example of the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde nature of this season. Promising flashes, but not enough substance.

From the comfort of the Tribuna seats, which offered an excellent view and real comfort, it was a frustrating watch. Liosa certainly appreciated the cushioned seats and confirmed she is very much a Tribuna girl rather than a Curva girl.

Post Match

As the game wound down, Liosa made the sensible decision to head home to the dogs and skip the pub.

I, on the other hand, made my way to La Guerrina.

Despite planning to avoid Guinness, temptation won. One pint became the starting point of a very good night.

Lucio arrived first, so I got him a pint and we settled into the back of the pub. Soon after, we were joined by Dylan and Jamie, both Roma fans somehow tolerated, and their friend Liam.

The three had just completed an outstanding groundhopping run:

Roma vs Pisa
Vicenza vs Novara
Bologna vs Lecce
Fiorentina vs Lazio

Four games in four days, serious dedication.

What followed was exactly what football is about beyond the pitch. Beers, stories, football debates, travel chat and life in general.

I had planned to stop at one, but when Lucio asked about another it would have been rude to say no.

Around 1am, the lads headed off to Villa Costanza for the dreaded FlixBus back to Bologna. I said goodbye to Lucio as he walked toward Santa Maria Novella and, after a bit of a wait, I managed to grab a taxi home.

Matchday Experience

Stadium: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence
Attendance: 18,259
Ticket Price: Free
Travel Costs: Minimal, local game but a taxi home!
Food: Excellent pre match kebab, unexpected poaitive
Beer o Meter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Pre Match: Cheap wine, great kebab, bumped into friends
Post Match: La Guerrina Guinness session with great company
Atmosphere: Good inside but always strange in the home end
Highlight: Seeing Simone, Ladislav and Lucio plus post match beers with new friends
Lowlight: Lazio’s frustrating and inconsistent performance
Overall Experience: A brilliant social matchday despite the result

Conclusion

This was not about the result, and perhaps that is just as well.

Lazio showed glimpses early on but ultimately delivered another inconsistent display, reinforcing the feeling that this season continues to swing between promise and frustration.

Yet football is never just about the ninety minutes.

From unexpected reunions in the stands to late night pints in Florence, this was another reminder of why we follow our teams through everything.

The fight continues.

Next up is a difficult trip to Napoli, again without travelling fans, before attention turns to a huge second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final in Bergamo against Atalanta.

Season defining moments are coming.

And as always, we will be there, one way or another.