Destro fires Roma into semi-final
AS Roma striker Mattia Destro scored in the first period of extra time to secure a 1-0 win away to Fiorentina and a place in the Italian Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
Roma now join Inter Milan, Juventus and Lazio in the last four of the competition won last year by Napoli.
In the final minute of what had been an entertaining match at Fiorentina’s Artemio Franchi Stadium, both sides spurned chances to secure a late winner before the onset of extra time.
Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero first smacked a left-footed shot off the corner of the crossbar and post, while at the other end defender Stefan Savic did well with a spectacular diving header which kept Destro’s goalbound shot out.
For the second consecutive night it went to extra time, and Roma had to wait only minutes before the impressive Destro broke the deadlock when he bundled the ball over the line from a foot in front of goal after a goalmouth pass.
Colombian midfielder Juan Cuadrado came closest to levelling for Fiorentina but saw his header expertly parried by ‘keeper Mauro Goicoechea in the 104th minute.
Cuadrado was one of three players sent off in the closing stages.
First Brazilian Rodrigo Taddei was shown the red card for Roma after a second bookable offence and minutes later he was followed by team-mate and compatriot Jose Dodo after he clashed with Cuadrado.
Inter secured their place in the last four with a 3-2 win over Bologna, while Juve beat AC Milan 2-1 last week and Lazio routed Catania 3-0.
The semi-finals will be held over two legs on Jan 23 and 30. — AFP