Cuadrado key as Fiorentina steal march on Inter
Saturday, April 26, 2014
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ACF Fiorentina dispatched Bologna FC 3-0 to open up a four-point lead over fifth-placed FC Internazionale Milano, who were held to a goalless draw at home by SSC Napoli.
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ACF Fiorentina dispatched Bologna FC 3-0 to move four points clear in their quest to earn an automatic UEFA Europa League group stage berth.
Juan Cuadrado was the star of the show, scoring twice and laying on another as the Viola heaped more misery on struggling Bologna. The Colombian international's neat instep volley back across goal from Joaquín's right-wing cross kick-started things midway through the first half, and Cuadrado then turned provider as he fed Josip Iličić to score from range before the interval.
Despite resting a host of players ahead of next weekend's Coppa Italia final, Fiorentina were in control and after a string of saves from Rossoblù keeper Gianluca Curci, Cuadrado added a third and wrapped up a ninth league away win of the season with a stunning late effort from distance. Goal difference separates Bologna from safety.
FC Internazionale Milano failed to match that result in their evening kick-off against SSC Napoli, Fiorentina's upcoming final opponents. The Partenopei held Inter to a 0-0 draw that means fifth place and a UEFA Europa League play-off round spot beckons for the Nerazzurri. In a blow for Rafael Benítez's outfit ahead of the Coppa Italia showpiece, Gonzalo Higuaín was taken off on a stretcher.
