Clinical Viola cruise to victory
Thursday, February 21, 2008
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ACF Fiorentina 2-1 Rosenborg BK (agg: 3-1) Fiorentina successfully wrapped up a victory that ended the Norwegian side's long European campaign.
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ACF Fiorentina successfully wrapped up a UEFA Cup Round of 32 victory against Rosenborg BK to set up a tie with Everton FC.
Liverani return
Already 1-0 up from the first leg in Norway, Fiorentina doubled their overall advantage shortly before half-time with a goal from Fabio Liverani, who returned from a fortnight's injury lay-off last weekend. Daniele Cacia added another nine minutes before the end, though there was a late consolation for the Norwegians from Yssouf Koné.
Early caution
Although they needed to score, Rosenborg were cautious about falling further behind on aggregate and began cautiously. Fiorentina threatened on 12 minutes when Adrian Mutu forced Rune Almenning Jarstein into action with a dangerous looking centre that the Rosenborg goalkeeper tipped over the bar. That seemed to spark the Viola into life and Jarstein had to react well to catch Tomáš Ujfaluši's tantalising cross on 14 minutes and seconds later Mutu's fierce 20-metre shot was blocked by Vadim Demidov.
Opening goal
Rosenborg had to wait until the 18th minute for their first opportunity but Alexander Tettey blazed over from distance. Twenty minutes later Liverani, who missed the first leg due to his ankle problem, broke the deadlock as he latched onto Marco Donadel's pass before sending the ball past Jarstein.
Rosenborg out
Fiorentina kept control in the second half, although Per Ciljan Skjelbred was able to go close on the hour mark, and the home side removed any doubt when Cacia, who had only been on the pitch for nine minutes, turned in Manuel Pasqual's cross. Koné headed in Marek Sapara's centre in the 88th minute but Rosenborg were still two goals short, ending a European campaign which included a draw at Chelsea FC and two wins against Valencia CF in the UEFA Champions League group stage.