By Anna Italia
                             ATALANTA    2   -   2  FIORENTINA        
                                                 30' Muslimovic                        29' Giampaolo Pazzini
                                                 90' Muslimovic                        60' Semioli

SUBSTITUTIONS:   26' Mandredini out, Manuel Belleri in               67' Kuzmanovic out, Martin Jorgensen in
                                65' Antonio Langella out, Simone Inzaghi in    73' Giampaolo Pazzini out, Christian Vieri in
                                75' Sergio Floccari out, Paolucci in

A challenging mach for both teams, both needed to win. A defeat for Fiorentina is not among Coach Cesare Prandelli, yet for Milan fans it will be perfect because the rossoneri  will be closer to the 4th position guaranteeing a spot for the 2008- 2009 UEFA Champions League.

Here is a chance for former "Atalanta star Giampaolo Pazzini," to take Fiorentina towards a much needed victory. The other ex Atalanta is Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo.

In the 6th minute, precisely, Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini trying to get a ball hits the face of Atalanta Manfredini unintentionally. 

In the 13th  minute,  Atalanta forward Zlatan Muslimovic almost score for Atalanta increasing the chanting of fans supporting the team.

In the 26th minute, Manfredini cannot continue after suffering a blow in the face of Pazzini. 
Reportedly, Manfredini feels dizzy, not ready to continue the match.  Atalanta coach Gigi Del Neri substitutes Manfredini for Manuel Belleri.

                                         
             
In the 29th minute, wow, it is  a great combination by former Atalanta players Montolivo-Pazzini, former Atalanta star and now Fiorentina striker GIAMPAOLO PAZZINI blast the net after a cross from midfielder Riccardo Montolivo!!! What a joy, Pazzini on goal!
 
Atalanta 0 - 1 Fiorentina

                                      
Not even finishing celebrating when in less than a minute Atalanta equalizes the score from a corner kick!!!!  In the 30th minute, Atalanta striker Zlatan Muslimovic finally scores!!!!  Now, we are talking, here is a match to start all over. 

Atalanta 1 - 1 Fiorentina

First half ends 1 - 1


In the 60th minute, mifielder Franco Semioli gives the lead to Fiorentina after a cross from Zlatan Kuzmanovic.  Semioli heads the ball blasting Atalanta goalkeeper Coppola.
Atalanta 1 - 2 Fiorentina
                                             
In the 66th minute, Coach Gigi Del Neri substitutes  striker Antonio Langella for Simone Inzaghi

In the 67th minute, Fiorentina Coach Cesare Prandelli substitutes Zlatan Kuzmanovic for Martin Jorgensen

In teh 73rd minute, Fiorentina Coach Cesare Prandelli substitutes the author of the first goal striker Giamapolo Pazzini for striker Christian Vieri.

Wow, Pazzini leaves the field among whistles and boos from his former  Atalanta fans.

Fiorentinia nees to score another goal or risk equalizing the match with Atalanta seeming determined to win the match.

In the 75th minute, Coach Gigi Del Neri substitutes  Sergio Floccari for Paolucci.

Fifteen more minutes and this will be over. The viola fiercely defends their partial victory. A small mistake by the defense and Atalanta who are looking for a single opportunity might break Fiorentina's quest to the Champions League spot.

                                             
                                      

In the 80th minute, great chance for Fiorentina to score when Donadel recovers. Jorgensen sends a cross to Santana kicking with the heel "colpo di tacco" for Ujfalusi who sends the ball immediately to Christian Vieri. Wow... almost a perfect pool move only to be blocked by Atalanta defense inside the area.
                                  
In the 90th minute, unbelievable!   Again, Zlatan Muslimovic taking advantage of Atalanta counterattack, Simone Inzaghi sends a cross to Zlatan Muslimovic blasting Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey and the dream for the Champions League spot seems waving bye bye for the Viola.  Great goal!  A goal celebrated enthusiastically by Muslimovic, the fans, the players, and an expressive Coach GIGI DEL NERI.  This is an important goal for Atalanta.
Atalanta 2 - 2 Fiorentina

At this time, Milan fans will be cheering too because they are closer to the 4th position, provided they win tomorrow against Siena and their pending match with Livorno.

Referee De Marco indicates 3 minutes stoppage time.

What a major blow for Fiorentina after this draw. Three more minutes to score or else.

                             
No goals, but in the 92nd minute, midfielder Riccardo Montolivo gets a yellow card.

That's it guys!  Referee De Marco whistles the end of the match in the 93rd minute!

Undoubtedly, the man of the match is Atalanta striker Zlatan Muslimovic for scoring both goals and giving an agonizing draw to Atalanta.

Fiorentina paid a high price for a last minute error.  Losing a match in the last minute is just a headache, if not, ask Fiorentina.  Tylenol anyone?

LINEUPS

Week 22 Italian Serie A Tim 2007 - 2008  Twenty Second Round Matchday 22

ATALANTA	Italian Serie A Week 22 Twenty Second Round Serie A	FIORENTINA
2	Goals scored	2
5	Yellow card	2
0	Red card	0
2	Saves	0
20	Cross	26
23	Fouls	22
5	Corner Kicks	1
4	Offsides	4
48.6%	ball possession	51.4%

Saturday, February 9, 2008 
Atalanta  2  -  2 Fiorentina
 Azzurri d'Italia Stadium
9  a.m. USA Pacific tim

Referee: De Marco (Chiavari);
Assistants: Griselli, Calcagno;
Fourth Official: Salati

Goals: Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina 29), Zlatan Muslimovic (Atalanta 30),
         Semioli (Fiorentina 60), Muslimovic(Atalanta 90)

ATALANTA(4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Coppola,

Defenders: Rivalta, Pellegrino, Capelli, Manfredini(Manuel Belleri 25),

Midfielders: Pinto, De Ascentis, Tissone, Antonio Langella(Inzaghi 65),

Forwards: Sergio Floccari(Paolucci 75), Zlatan Muslimovic.

 

Subs: Ivan, Fissore, Belleri, Radovanovic, Padoin, Inzaghi, Paolucci.

 

Coach: Gigi Del Neri

FIORENTINA (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Sebastien Frey,

Defenders: Ujfalusi, Dainelli, Gamberini,

Midfielders: Pasqual, Kuzmanovic(Jorgensen66), Donadel, Montolivo,

Forwards: Santana, Giampaolo Pazzini(Chrisitan Vieri 72), Semioli.

 

Subs: Avramov, Gobbi, Kroldrup, Jorgensen, Cacia, Papa Waigo, Vieri.

Coach: Cesare Prandelli

Yellow Cards: Tissone(Atalanta), Ujfalusi(Fiorentina), Muslimovic(Atalanta), Langella(Atalanta), Manfredini(Atalanta), De Ascentis(Atalanta)