Fiorentina were defeated 3-0 by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Thursday night in the Europa League round of 32, a result which ends the Viola’s European adventure this season, losing the two-legged tie 4-1 an aggregate.
A goal after 24 minutes by Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason was added to in the second half by a cool finish by former Roma forward Erik Lamela and a late own goal by Gonzalo Rodriguez to put the Premier League side into the round of 16 of the Europa League.
The result leaves the Viola to concentrate solely on qualifying for next season Champions League when Serie A action resumes at the weekend.
After a fairly timid opening to the game, Spurs came close to breaking the deadlock on 12 minutes when a corner from right was flicked on by Eric Dier, but Dele Alli just failed to reach the ball on the far post despite his best efforts.
The home side continued to press the Viola all over the pitch with their high pressure game and had another chance soon after, but Christian Eriksen’s shot was easlily saved by Ciprian Tatarusanu in the visitors goal.
Midway though the half the Gigliati created their first good chance on the night as Josip Ilicic cut in from the right and curled a shot from outside the box but it flew past Hugo Lloris’ right hand post and wide.
Moments later Mauricio Pochettino’s side took a deserved lead, as Alli got his foot first to the ball ahead of Davide Astori outside the box, flicking it to the onrushing Mason, who raced though on goal and slipped it past Tatarusanu who was rooted to his line to give Spurs the lead.
It wasn’t until close to the break Paulo Sousa’s men threaten the home sides goal. A free-kick from the left by Ilicic was met by Borja Valero at the near post but his header was off target as Spurs when in at half-time in front.
Fiorentina began the second half a lot brighter and had a couple of half chances through Federico Bernardeschi and Valero.
But on the hour mark the tie took a decisive turn as the Premier League side doubled their lead on the night. A fine run by Eriksen set up Nacer Chadli inside in the box and his fierce dive was well saved by Tatarusanu, but the rebound fell to Erik Lamela who finished well with a curled left foot finish.
With ten minutes left the home side rapped up a fine display on the night with a third goal. Good play down the right saw Kieran Tripper put in a dangerous cross into the box which was met by Fiorentina defender Rodriquez, who mistimed his interception and slotted the ball into his own net to the dismay of the traveling fans.
The Viola now face second place Napoli on Monday in Serie A action at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
