Fiorentina back in top flight

Two-times Italian champions AC Fiorentina completed their return to Serie A on Sunday, when they drew the second leg of their play-off match against AC Perugia 1-1 to triumph 2-1 on aggregate and return to the top flight after two years.

Fantini strike
More than 30,000 spectators, including former Fiorentina striker Gabriel Batistuta, packed into Florence's Stadio Artemi Franchi to watch striker Enrico Fantini put the home side ahead in the 47th minute.

Late equaliser
Fantini, who had also scored in the first leg, was sent off for a second bookable offence ten minutes later. Perugia scored a late equaliser through Brazilian striker Guilherme Do Prado, but could not fine a second goal to avoid relegation to Serie B.

Dramatic demotion
Two years ago Fiorentina were relegated to Serie C2, Italy's fourth division, after being declared bankrupt, losing their name and most of their leading players, although 37-year-old former Italian international Angelo Di Livio remained with the club.

Financial support
Renamed Florentia Viola, a new financial backer in the shape of shoe manufacturer Della Valle bought back the right to use their historic name and they duly won the C2 title.

Sixth-placed finish
Fiorentina were then elevated to Serie B at the beginning of this season as part of the expansion of the division. Earlier this month they finished sixth in Serie B to win the right to a play-off against the 15th-placed Serie A side, Perugia, for a place in the top division.