Fiorentina make progress
Wednesday, September 1, 2004
Article summary
ACF Fiorentina moved into the Coppa Italia first round after a 3-0 victory against Hellas-Verona FC.
Article body
Close race
Fiorentina had gone into the game leading their preliminary group on goal difference from Piacenza FC - with only the victors to progress. With Piacenza beating Como Calcio 3-0 tonight, Fiorentina went through.
Rigano double
Christian Rigano opened the scoring for Fiorentina on five minutes, and Javier Portillo, on loan from Real Madrid CF, doubled the advantage just after the hour. Rigano claimed the crucial third goal 20 minutes from time for a club that won the trophy six times as AC Fiorentina.
Promoted sides through
Fiorentina join fellow newly-promoted sides FC Messina Peloro, Atalanta BC and AS Livorno Calcio in winning one of the eight groups, with the rest of the top-flight contenders, including Serie B champions US Città di Palermo, entering the competition in the knockout rounds.
