1-0: Fiorentina give Atalanta more life

A great goal from midfielder Rolando Mandragora, a spectacular long left-footed shot that slipped into the top corner in the first half, decided the first semi-final of the Italian Cup in favor of a Fiorentina superior to Atalanta (1 -0) but could not decide.and left the decisive return wide open.

The first round, played at the Artemio Franchi in Florence, had a clear owner, a ‘Fiore’ who deserved the victory, who was higher and who generated more clear chances, but it was not able to- seal the tie.

Because the clear chance of the Argentine Nico González, who was once again the best of the ‘Viola’, could not break the wall raised by goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi under the ‘Dea’ sticks, a team that resisted many attacks from to the locals and that he will arrive alive when he returns to Bergamo, where everyone will decide.

But in an emotional match, as it was the same match that was not played just two days ago due to the death of ‘Fiore’ general director Joe Barone, it was the Florentine team that advanced against a rival with also in Serie A for European positions.

And among all the clear opportunities and good collective play, an individual action appeared that decided everything after half an hour of the duel. A shot by Madragora from distance was impossible for Carnesecchi. The ball touched the corner before going in, making it more striking.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s team could not recover from the blow they received and were at the mercy of the home team throughout the game. There were 20 shots from ‘Fiore’ to 10 from Atalanta. A dominance that, however, did not help Vincenzo Italiano’s men close out the tie and secure a second straight cup final after last season’s defeat against Inter.

With ‘Juve’ having booked their place in the final after beating Lazio 2-0, Atalanta and Fiorentina will take on the other place in the championship cup in a close round. ‘Fiore’ won, but Atalanta was alive and well and the field was in its favor.