Fiorentina on Tuesday advanced to the first final of its post-bankruptcy era thanks to a 2-0 win against Udinese in Florence, overturning a 2-1 loss in Udine last week to advance to the Coppa Italiafinal with a 3-2 aggregate win. The Viola will face either Roma or Napoli, which play the second game of their two game series in Naples on Wednesday, in the final at the Stadio Olimpico on May 3.
After the game, which was decided thanks to two stunning strikes from Manuel Pasqual and Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, Fiorentina coach VincenzoMontella said: “It was a very difficult game and before celebrating Fiorentina’s performance, I must compliment Udinese for their efforts over both legs. They caused us a lot ofproblems.” Having said that, Montella added that, “over 180 minutes I feel it was a deserved win and we will enjoy it with our fans, patrons and the whole city. We hope it can become a bigmoment for Florence.”
Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin, who was aiming to become only the second coach to bring the club to a major final, said he was proud of hisplayers. “We leave with our heads held high and shake the hands of our opponents, wishing them well for the final,” he said. “I am proud of my lads, who caused a lot of problems forwhat in my view is one of the best teams in Italy.”