Fiorentina have moved into the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Udinese this evening.
Hosting Udinese dominated large parts of the first half, but they were unable to breach the Fiorentina net.
Andrea Lazzari and Giampiero Pinzi both sent efforts wide of the target during the early exchanges, while experienced striker Antonio di Natale dragged an effort just past the upright from 12 yards out.
Their failure to score was then duly punished in the 36th minute by Borja Valero. The former West Bromwich Albion midfielder gained possession from Dusan Basta and despite the Udinese player's attempts to block the shot, the ball looped up over Daniele Padelli and into the net.
Visiting Fiorentina had the chance to double their advantage shortly after the restart, but Manuel Pasqual sent his effort from close range against the crossbar.
Di Natale had Udinese's best two chances to score an equaliser in the closing stages, but he was unable to find the target with either effort.
Liam Apicella
