ACF Fiorentina extended a run of positive results by overcoming Chievo Verona 2-1 on March 3, and beating Lazio 0-2 on March 10. Six points from six takes Fiorentina up to fourth place in Serie A, and into the Europa League qualification places. The Viola, finally reaping the rewards for their fluid style of play, can now eye the target of Champions League football.
Fiorentina 2-1 Chievo Verona. It took Fiorentina just four minutes to take the lead at Florence’s Artemio Franchi stadium, after Viola captain Manuel Pasqual curled a free kick in from outside the box. The home team dominated most of the first half, but some sloppy defending allowed Chievo to equalise on 37 minutes. New Fiorentina acquisition Marcelo Larrondo, however, reinstated Fiorentina’s lead after 78 minutes with a fine header in front of an ecstatic Curva Fiesole.
Lazio 0-2 Fiorentina. With both sides in the hunt for third place, Fiorentina overcame Lazio in a crucial encounter at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Although Viola striker Stevan Jovetić missed a close-range opportunity early on, he made amends by putting Fiorentina ahead after 20 minutes. Adem Ljajić doubled Fiorentina’s lead four minutes into the second half by curling in a direct free kick. The game fizzled out in the second half, with Lazio looking tired. Fiorentina now go ahead of Lazio in the league standings.
Next up. Fiorentina next play Genoa at Florence’s Artemio Franchi Stadium on March 17 at 3pm.
