Let's be honest - not even Pinocchio would have predicted a Hearts win over his hometown club Fiorentina.
That said, the Florence born wooden boy whose nose grows when he lies would have been stretching the truth had claimed to have anticipated the ease of yet another Scottish club's continental humiliation. A reality biting week for our game just got a whole lot worse as the Jambos who like Rangers and Celtic before them, discovered the class requirements at their respective continental levels are well beyond them.
The bookies had priced it up at 18/1 shot for Robbie Neilson 's side to pull off a shock, it was clear within five minutes any fool who'd backed the men in maroon that they and their money would be all too easily parted. Goals from Luka Jovic, Cristiano Biraghi, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Antonin Barak had the Serie A side four goals ahead at the interval as a lightweight makeshift defence time and again malfunctioned. Stephen Humphrys hit a consolation after the break before Gonzalez made it five.
Qualification is still not out of the question for Hearts with RFS at home and Istanbul Basaksehir away to come, but anyone still having any confidence it can be done would need to believe in fairytales.
Here are how Record Sport reckon the men in maroon performed this evening.
Hearts player ratings
CRAIG GORDON: Well beaten by the accuracy of Jovic's header and a spectator at Biraghi's brillianr second. Hard to find fault with the Scotland keeper who was left badly exposed by those in front of him. 6
NATHANIEL ATKINSON: Pulled up moments before Fiorentina's opener and then had to be replaced in the 16th minute after being clattered inside his box and sustaining a head knock. 2
STEPHEN KINGSLEY: Difficult not to feel sorry for a man tasked with trying to organise a defence which time and again came apart at the seams. Had a few interceptions but dragged all over the place. 4
ALEX COCHRANE: Allowed Jovic far too much space inside the box and posted missing at the crucial moments. Tripped Saponara for penalty which led to fifth after leaving a lazy leg out for the Italian to take a tumble. 4
ANDY HALLIDAY: Slotted in at left back and had to execute an inch-perfect first half challenge on Terzic which prevented a quick-fire second. Superbly found Humphrys for Hearts consolation strike. 6
PETER HARING: Given a chance to try and get Hearts playing forward but no authority on proceedings and left chasing shadows.
Not up to the speed of the game quickly enough and looks a bit lost at this level. 5
JORGE GRANT: Unlucky to have shot held by Gollini after superb supporting run at Atkinson chance. Hooked at the break and another who struggled to get close to Fiorentina midfield but it wasn't for the want of trying. 5
CAMMY DEVLIN: Full of hustle and bustle but couldn't get himself on the ball and another who was swamped by defensive duties.
Found the intelligence and slickness of his counterparts too much to cope with. 5
ALAN FORREST: One or two moments of inspiration but all to little as he failed to spark his side in rare moments he found himself in possession in final third. Bright note was pass to allow Humphrys to slam shot off a post. 5
STEPHEN HUMPHREYS: Added pace into the Hearts attack and more than deserved his goal which he finished brilliantly. Slammed a shot off a post and carried the fight to the Fiorentina backline. 8
BARRIE McKAY: Had his moments and tried to drop deep to try and get his side a share of the ball but another who was too easily brushed off the ball. Conceded needless free-kick to allow Biraghi to bury his side's second. 6
Subs
TOBY SIBBICK: On for Atkinson after 16 minutes and stuck to the basics and provided an outlet wide on the right. 5
CONNOR SMITH: Replaced Grant at half-time and added a bit of energy and bite to his side as he at least crunched into a few challenges. 4
ORESTIS KIOMOURTZOGLOU: Another half-time arrival and improved the intensity of his side and managed to at least claim some possession. 5
EUAN HENDERSON: Given a late run and he won't ever forget the experience. 3
LAWRENCE SHANKLAND: Surprise omission but almost chipped Gollini with audacious 40-yard effort. 3
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