Europa League

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Europa League | Round-Of-16

Mar 12, 2015 at 8.05pm UK

Fiorentina
1-1
Roma

Ilicic (17')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Keita (77')

Half-Time Report: Josip Ilicic puts Fiorentina ahead against Roma

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 12 March 2015

A Josip Ilicic strike in the 17th minute gives Fiorentina a 1-0 lead against Roma in Thursday evening's Europa League clash at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

A Josip Ilicic strike has given Fiorentina a 1-0 half-time lead against Roma in this evening's Europa League clash at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The hosts were quickest off the starting blocks against their Serie A rivals, knocking the ball around well in the early stages.

Josip Ilicic of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 match between ACF Fiorentina and AS Roma on March 12, 2015 © Getty Images

Fiorentina also registered the game's first chance on goal in the 13th minute, David Pizarro launching a fierce drive that whistled just wide of the post.

It wasn't long before the Viola were ahead, as a misplaced pass from Daniele De Rossi gifted the ball to Mohamed Salah, who broke away quickly before teeing up Ilicic.

The Slovenian was able to control the ball before firing past the outstretched hand of Lukasz Skorupski and into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Vincenzo Montella's charges continued to threaten their compatriots, Jose Basanta firing a tame shot over the crossbar not long after scoring.

In the latter stages of the first half, Adem Ljajic spurned a golden chance to pull his side level by firing over the bar from close range after Norberto Neto had spilled a shot in front of goal.