Ajax are in pole position to progress in the UEFA Cup after defeating Fiorentina 1-0 in Italy.  The hosts might have had the better of the match and created many chances but they left their shooting boots in the changing room and failed to hit the net once.  Ajax defending well and benefitted from some occasional moments of luck but they worked hard and scored an excellent goal when the opportunity arose.  Ajax have struggled domestically this term but the club has a rich European pedigree and they will be delighted at the thought of extending their run in the UEFA Cup.  With an away goal in the bag, they will be confident of finishing the job in Amsterdam.  Fiorentina did turn in some good away performances last season but the pressure is now on them and they will need to raise their game to avoid an early exit this term.

The hosts kept their 4-3-3 system with Semioli replacing Jovetic to play as a genuine winger rather than a supporting forward through the middle.  Melo played after a recent domestic suspension but Kuzmanovic was left on the bench with Gobbi coming in.  There was only one rotation in the defence as Pasqual replaced Vargas but Comotto had a knock so missed out with Zauri replacing him on on the right.  Both Dainelli and Gamberini started in the centre of the back four.  Ajax also played a 4-3-3 formation although due to the nature of the game their system was naturally more defensive.  They were without a few players due to injury and Wielaert was ineligible as he has already played in the UEFA Cup with FC Twente this season but those who came in did a solid job in staking their claim for more regular places.

Fiorentina started brightly and Mutu forced Stekelenburg into this first save with less than two minutes on the clock. Mutu beat the 'keeper with his next effort but was ruled offside before Montolivo went round Stekelenburg but over-dribbled the ball and the chance was gone.  Suarez managed the only shot of note for Ajax in the first half but Frey reacted well to make a save at full stretch. After the break Fiorentina had another chance with Mutu fired over but when both sides made substitutions to change the game Ajax came out on top.  Almost immediately Ajax took the lead when Bakircioglu slotted home from the edge of the box to send the travelling fans wild but Ajax then had to withstand some pressure.  Zauri and Gilardino both spurned good chances but Suarez almost made the game safe when Frey saved his shot with his feet.  Montolivo had the last chance but cleared the bar and Ajax held on to record a great victory.

This was a hard loss for Fiorentina to take as they really should have done enough to score themselves and probably even win the game.  They are not out of things yet but will need to improve their finishing to have a chance.  Ajax are not home and dry but will feel the hard part has been done and they are now on the verge of the next round.