Viola Punch Their Quarterfinals Ticket
Most of the starters got some rest as a patchwork Fiorentina squad eased past Ascoli 2-0 to earn a 3-1 aggregate victory in the Coppa Italia round of 16 on Wednesday.
The first half was characterized by Fiorentina (Semioli especially) missing chances and the occasional chaos in the makeshift Viola back line. The defense was composed of Balzaretti and Gobbi as right and left backs with Potenza and Mazuch in the center, a bit of a departure for coach Cesare Prandelli who is known for demanding order in his back line.
Pazzini contented himself with setting up his mates with good scoring chances throughout that first half before taking matters into his own hands (feet) scoring both second-half goals. Interestingly, he did not celebrate either goal but, instead, had a look of defiance on his face. After the match he would comment that he is upset that the media has lost its fondness for him and that he is on a mission to prove to himself that he can be a success.
It should be noted that Lupatelli was really hung out to dry a few times but rose to every challenge between the posts. Daniele Cacia made his debut in the Viola shirt but was largely ineffectual over the final half hour.
Next up for the Viola in the Coppa Italia will be the Quarterfinals, beginning with an away match at Lazio this upcoming Thursday.
Videos (all thanks to Tahoma)
1-0 Pazzini 62'
2-0 Pazzini 74'
Subs
Out In
Osvaldo Cacia 65'
Mazuch Ujfalusi 73'
Pazienza Pasqual 78'
My take -- I only saw about the last half-hour. Semioli looked very bad and Mazuch seemed unsure of himself, though I am still very high on him.
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