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It was a big night in Florence, and la Viola were very much up to the occasion, knocking out a nervous and unimaginative Tottenham Hotspur side with an emphatic 2-0 victory at the Artemio Franchi. Mario Gomez and Mohammed Salah stole the show with two cool finishes, but it was a truly team display from Vincenzo Montella's side.
The big moment of the first half came when Roberto Soladao, put clean through on goal by Erik Lamela, bizarrely decided to square the ball to Nacer Chadli. The pass was a weak one, and Norberto Neto managed to gather easily. Fiorentina went in at half time having played well, achieving the objective of not conceding and a much better second half was to come.
Just ten minutes in, Milan Badelj found Mario Gomez in a good position, who took his chance well and gave the home side the advantage. Fiorentina never looked back from that moment on, doubling their lead and putting the tie beyond doubt through an excellent Mohammed Salah goal. The Egyptian received the ball on the right hand side, cutting inside and playing a neat 1-2 with Mario Gomez. Jan Vertonghen took far too long with his attempted clearance and Salah took the opportunity to pounce, sending the ball into the top corner. Salah seemed happy to take the booking as he took of his shirt and celebrated with the Curva Fiesole.
La Viola neutralised Tottenham in much the same way as they had done in the second half at White Hart Lane and remained in control for the rest of the game. Considering Tottenham's dominance of the first 30 minutes of their home leg, a 3-1 aggregate win is something to be proud of for Vincenzo Montella and his men. Fiorentina will now await tomorrow's draw for the last 16 with quiet confidence.