Fiorentina easily saw off Udinese 3-0 at Stadio Artemio Franchi on Wednesday evening in Serie A action.
A brace from Khouma Babacar and a late strike from Borja Valero were enough to see the Viola take the three points comfortably as the Zebrette were second best for long periods of the game.
Agree with our ratings? Have your say in the comments below.
Fiorentina
Neto – 6 – Untroubled
Had little to do throughout, however when called upon he was not found wanting.
Jose Maria Basanta – 6.5 – Comfortable
Solid, if not spectacular in his first appearance in Serie A. No real defensive issues and flicked a header wide from a Valero free kick.
Stefan Savic – 6.5 – Assertive
Important sliding tackle to prevent Muriel racing clear and his ball distribution was excellent and nearly created a goal for the Viola.
Marcos Alonso – 6.5 – Spirited
Linked up well with Pasqual on the left and although rarely tested, picked up a booking for a heavy tackle.
Juan Cuadrado – 7.5 – Outstanding
A constant threat down the right flank. Provided an inch perfect delivery for Babacar’s second goal. Showcased his skills in assisting Valero’s strike.
Jasmin Kurtic – 5.5 – Wasteful
His low cross was crucial to the opening goal and caused problems in the penalty area. Had a number of wild shots at goal, but never threatened the scorers.
David Pizarro – 6.5 – Dependable
Nothing flashy from the Chilean, but nonetheless solid and effective with possession. Lasted 63 minutes before being replaced by Aquilani.
Borja Valero – 6.5 – Solid
Slightly wayward with his passing, his close range effort was parried into Babacar who scored just before the break. Killed the game off with his low strike with ten minutes to go.
Manuel Pasqual – 6 – Unassuming
The captain rarely made a mistake, but at times the killer pass was lacking. Lasted until the 76th minute when he was replaced by Tomovic
Josip Ilicic – 6 – Indecisive
Had a quiet game but wasted a good chance with players on the overlap by not taking any decision on two separate occasions.
Khouma Babacar – 7 – Match winner
Forced Karnezis into a decent reaction save with a first half header before he capitalised on his error to prod home the opening goal. His second goal was very well taken after a fantastic first touch.
Substitutes
Alberto Aquilani – 5.5 – Passenger
Despite having 30 minutes he had virtually no effect on the game and made no telling contribution.
Nenad Tomovic – 6 – Reliable
Replaced the captain, Pasqual, as the Viola had already secured the points and looked to shut up shop.
Joaquin – N/A –
Came on late to replace Cuadrado.
Udinese
Orestis Karnezis – 5 – Unconvincing
Made several saves but was at fault for the goal by parrying Valero’s effort straight to Babacar who took full advantage. Powerless to avoid the second goal and it was a similar case with the third.
Silvan Widmer – 5.5 – Lacklustre
Started the game well but drifted in and out of the game in the second half as Cuadrado managed to take control of affairs.
Thomas Heurteux – 5.5 – Strong
The strongest performer of the Zebrette defence and was a physical presence aerially throughout.
Danilo – 5 – Quiet
Weaker than his central defensive partner, he hardly had an impact and managed to go the game without making a tackle or competing for any headers.
Ivan Piris – 5 – Fortunate
Fortunate not to concede a penalty just before the break. Rightly booked for an overly strong challenge after the break.
Allan – 5.5 – Disruptive
Did well in disrupting the Viola front line, booked for a robust challenge on Ilicic. He was lucky not to receive a second caution for an over zealous tackle later on.
Emmanuel Badu – 5.5 – Energetic
But for a heavy touch, would most likely have scored in the first half. After the break become anonymous as Udinese fell apart.
Guilherme – 5.5 – Crafty
Showed some nice touches early in the game, but like the rest of the side disappeared in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes – 4.5 – Underwhelming
At times it seemed he wasn’t even playing until he was booked for a foul on Pasqual early in the second half. Substituted on the hour mark.
Luis Muriel – 5.5 – Willing
Rarely threatened, and was thwarted by the Viola’s defence. Ran the channels well, but was substituted with ten minutes to go.
Antonio Di Natale – 6 – Threatening
Headed against the woodwork early on and was always a willing runner. After the break was far less effective as the game slipped away from the Zebrette.
Substitutes
Cyril Thereau – 5.5 – Ineffective
Replaced the ineffectual Fernandes after 60 minutes and could not provide any fresh impetus as the game drifted away from the visitors.
Giampiero Pinzi- 5.5 – Inaccurate
Came on for Allan and did not have the greatest of times with his limited touches, misfiring multiple times.
Panagiotis Kone – N/A – Irrelevant
Moments after coming on, it was 3-0, and had no time to make a real impact on the outcome.
