Fiorentina boost Champions League hopes

Fiorentina eased past Roma 4-1 on Saturday to take another confident step closer to Champions League qualification.

Victory moved them into fourth place in the table – the last qualifying spot for Europe’s premier club competition – on 58 points although they could be displaced by Genoa, who are a point behind and tackle struggling Bologna on Sunday.

For Roma, however, their Champions League hopes are fading fast with defeat leaving them in sixth place, six points behind Fiorentina with just five games left.

“It’s going to be very hard for us,” admitted Roma coach Luciano Spalletti whose side faded badly in the second half.

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli praised his team after they bounced back from a disappointing 3-1 loss at Udinese.

“I know these lads and the reaction they have always given. We wanted to give a strong response on the field,” said the coach.

“Florence is a special city, but has always appreciated the team when it runs out with passion, determination and effort.”

Fiorentina were in front after just six minutes through Juan Manuel Vargas who fired in a 30-yard, left-foot screamer after escaping Roma defender Marco Motta.

The home side added a second just two minutes after the break when Alberto Gilardino headed in a cross from Franco Semioli.

Roma’s misery was compounded when midfielder David Pizarro was sent-off for a second yellow card on the hour with Gilardino taking full advantage by scoring his second and his team’s third after 67 minutes.

Massimo Gobbi made it 4-0 in the 73rd minute before Julio Baptista scored a consolation for Roma, four minutes from the end.

On Sunday, leaders Inter Milan travel to Napoli with a 10-point cushion over AC Milan and Juventus.