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Fiorentina takes a step closer to the Coppa Italia final after defeating Cremonese 2-0 at the Giovanni Zini Stadium in the first leg of the semi-final.
Okereke and Dessers were not included in the matchday squad for Fiorentina's win over Cremonese. The two goals of the game were scored in either half as they cruise to a 2-0 win going into the second leg.
How it happened
Davide Ballardini fielded a strong eleven for this game but the two Nigerians were not included in the line-up to face Cremonese.
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Okereke was out with an injury and Cyriel Desser was left to watch from the bench as Ballardini picked his team. Arthur Cabral led the attack for Fiorentina in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Fiorentina started the match strongly with lots of attempts and had the chance to put the ball at the back of the net but all thanks to Mouhamadou Sarr who made some wonderful saves to keep his team in the game.
It was not until the 20th minute before Fiorentina carved open the Cremonese defence and opened the scoring from a cross by Cristiano Biraghi which was headed in by Arthur Cabral.
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Changes were made in the second half as Ballardini introduced the Nigerian defender Cyriel Desser in place of Frank Tsadjout. The second half continued just as they left in the first half with Fiorentina creating lots of chances but being unable to get the second goal of the game.
Fiorentina added the second goal from the penalty spot after Luka Lochoshvili deflected Cabral’s shot which was aiming for the goal with his hand. The Referee consulted the VAR after complaints from the players and he was asked to look at the incident from the monitor.
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Ballardini secured a victory over Cremonese as they head to Artemio Franchi Stadium for the second leg of the Coppa Italia.
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