Roma are all but out of contention for next season’s Champions League after they were beaten 4-1 at Fiorentina.
Peru defender Juan Manuel Vargas, playing further up the field, gave Fiorentina the lead after just six minutes with a fierce effort from 30 yards.
Former Milan striker Alberto Gilardino then doubled their advantage immediately after half time as he headed home after some great team play.
Things grew worse for Roma when David Pizarro was shown a second yellow card as he clashed with Franco Semioli in the 58th minute and, nine minutes later, Gilardino made it 3-0 with a cool finish.
The humiliation was complete when substitute Massimo Gobbi turned in a loose ball shortly after his introduction.
But Julio Baptista managed to get a consolation goal in the dying minutes with a fierce shot.
The result moves the Viola up to fourth, but Luciano Spalletti’s men are now six points behind in sixth.
After the game, Spalletti said: "Right now, we are struggled psychologically.
"We have to fight for fourth place still, but it is going to be hard. We will have to deal with the fans' disappointment."
There had been controversy ahead of the match as a supporter reportedly threw a bottle at the Roma team bus, while there were other reported incidents involving fans.
In the day’s earlier game, Udinese won 2-1 at Chievo.
Gaetano D’Agostino opened the scoring for the visitors on 35 minutes from the penalty spot after Fabio Quagliarella had been brought down by Mario Yepes.
Sergio Pellissier – who had already gone close on several occasions – then levelled for the home side on 71 minutes with a header into the far corner.
However, D’Agostino volleyed home deep into injury time to secure victory with his second goal of the game.