Roma beat Fiorentina to solidify Champions League push

MILAN: Aleksandar Kolarov scored a magnificent free-kick as Roma bolstered their Champions League credentials in Italy with a 4-1 victory away to Fiorentina on Friday.

Edin Dzeko’s seventh goal of the season put Roma ahead on 19 minutes in Florence against a side without a win at home since Oct 6. Former Manchester City defender Kolarov curled in a terrific 20-yard strike to double Roma’s lead before Milan Badelj pulled one back just past the half-hour.

Roma ensured they put some pressure on local rivals Lazio as Lorenzo Pellegrini’s first-time effort from a Dzeko lay-off restored their two-goal cushion on 73 minutes.

The Bosnian forward then released Nicolo Zaniolo just inside the Fiorentina half, allowing the Italy international to sweep in a late fourth after a long run.

Paulo Fonseca’s Roma have lost just once in Serie A since late September and a fourth win in five moved them six points clear of Cagliari in the race for the final Champions League spot.