Milan: Fiorentina recorded only its second win of the Serie A season in a 2-1 home result over Bari on Saturday.
The victory lifts Sinisa Mihajlovic's team out of the relegation zone, albeit until the completion of Sunday's fixtures.
Fiorentina and Bari are 15th and 16th in the standings with eight points each, but both could be in the relegation zone if results go against them on Sunday.
Marco Donadel gave the host the lead in the 34th and Alberto Gilardino wrapped up the result with eight minutes remaining.
Alessandro Parisi scored a late consolation for Bari, and Fiorentina came close to adding another goal but Gilardino dithered with the empty net at his mercy.
"It was fundamental (that we won). This match was crucial," Gilardino said. "We have worked all week for this result."
With both teams struggling, it wasn't a surprise that it took 25 minutes to see the first scoring chance.
Salvatore Masiello lost the ball in Bari's defense and it ran to Fiorentina winger Marco Marchionni, but despite having time and space in the box his shot was blocked by Bari goalkeeper Jean Gillet.
Donadel eventually opened the scoring in the 34th with a spectacular effort. Marchionni rolled the ball into his path and from long range he curled the ball over Gillet.
After the break Fiorentina continued to dominate and midfielder Adem Ljajic had a chance ruled out for offside.
The host eventually secured the win when Gilardino scored. Ljajic ran through Bari's defense, Gillet saved his shot, but the Belgian was unable to recover in time to stop Gilardino scoring his third goal of the season from the rebound.
Late on Parisi scored with a header from a corner, but Bari was unable to win the ball back from Fiorentina, which ran down the clock.
"The coach has been working extremely hard," Gilardino said. "We have tried to do what he's asked of us and tonight it came together for us."
Comments
0 comment