Gilardino strike lifts Fiorentina

Alberto Gilardino scored his third goal in Serie A this season as ACF Fiorentina defeated Genoa CFC 1-0 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, after Juventus had been held to a second draw in three days in the earlier kick-off.

Lovely winner
The Viola went close to breaking the deadlock after three minutes when Adrian Mutu headed a corner from Franco Semioli just wide. That was the only real opportunity of the first half, although things opened up in the second and Fiorentina No1 Sébastien Frey made a superb save to deny Diego Milito. Rubinho also had to be alert to turn Marco Donadel's effort past the post, although the Genoa goalkeeper could do nothing to keep out Gilardino in the 61st minute as the Italy forward controlled the ball on his head before swivelling and firing in with his left foot.

Del Piero chances
Fiorentina have seven points from five matches, while Juve moved on to nine from as many outings after drawing 0-0 at UC Sampdoria. Alessandro Del Piero was the Bianconeri's liveliest forward, forcing Antonio Mirante into a decent save before hitting the post, although Sampdoria were the best side after the break and deserved a draw. "Sampdoria played well in defence and closed down the space," said Juve coach Claudio Ranieri. "The defences had the better of the attacks." Fiorentina are at home to FC Steaua Bucureşti in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, when Juve travel to face FC BATE Borisov in Belarus.