Fiorentina go third with Palermo win

Fiorentina have moved up to third in Serie A with a 3-0 victory over Palermo away from home.

Stevan Jovetic scored twice at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, as Palermo remain third from bottom in the table.

The Viola could have taken the lead as early as the fourth minute had Luca Toni been able to keep his header from close range on target.

Minutes later Jovetic saw his attempt saved by Palermo goalkeeper Samir Ujkani.

Fiorentina continued to dominate proceedings as the first half progressed, with Toni, Jovetic and Alberto Aquilani all troubling Ujkani.

Then in the 50th minute, the visitors' pressure paid off when Jovetic latched onto Juan Cuadrado's through ball and slotted home from close range.

Fabrizio Miccoli came close to restoring parity for Palermo just two minutes later with a long-range effort, but was foiled by Fiorentina goalkeeper Norberto Neto.

Then with seven minutes left on the clock, Jovetic secured the points for Fiorentina from the penalty spot after Massimo Donati had brought down Toni inside the Palermo box.

Palermo conceded another penalty in the 89th minute when Michel Morganella handled the ball inside the area.

This time Gonzalo Rodriguez stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake from 12 yards.