Gilardino heads Viola to victory
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Article summary
Two headers by Alberto Gilardino and an added-time Stevan Jovetić tap-in helped ACF Fiorentina come from behind to record a 3-1 victory at SSC Napoli and move within three points of their hosts.
Article top media content
Article body
ACF Fiorentina went some way to making up for their UEFA Champions League exit in midweek after becoming the first side to win at SSC Napoli in Serie A this season, Alberto Gilardino scoring twice in a 3-1 triumph.
Following a first half where the few good chances came from set pieces, the game exploded into life two minutes after the break. Napoli's Germán Denis had been guilty of squandering two decent headed opportunities before the interval, but team-mate Ezequiel Lavezzi showed him how to do it, firmly nodding in Cristian Maggio's clipped cross.
The setback made Fiorentina, only sporadically dangerous previously, more adventurous and following Khouma Babacar's persistence, Stevan Jovetić centred for Gilardino to glance in a header on the hour-mark. The game looked to be heading for a draw, but Gilardino struck again three minutes from time, flicking in a Jovetić knock-down.
With home goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis up in the opposing area for a stoppage-time corner, Fiorentina broke clear and Jovetić tapped in following more good work by Babacar. The win moves the Viola to within three points of their hosts in tenth place.