their first Serie A win this season – Chicago Tribune

By DANIELLA MATAR

MILAN (AP) — Embattled Fiorentina finally secured its first Serie A victory of the season after its opponent played almost the entire match with ten men.

Fiorentina prevailed with a 5-1 home win over Udinese, who had goalkeeper Maduka Okoye sent off with less than eight minutes remaining.

It was Fiorentina’s first victory in 16 league matches and saw the last-placed side reduce the safety gap to five points.

Mid-table Udinese beat reigning Serie A champions Napoli last weekend.

However, the visitors got off to the worst possible start when Okoye ran out of the penalty area and collided with Moise Kean, who was clearly on goal. The goalkeeper, who also touched the ball with his arm, received a direct red card.

Fiorentina took the lead in the 21st minute when Nicolò Fagioli hit a free kick towards Rolando Mandragora, who fired a low shot past Udinese substitute goalkeeper Răzvan Sava.

Albert Guðmundsson’s excellent shot and Cher Ndour’s header gave Fiorentina a comfortable lead at the break.

Kean scored twice after the break, either side of Oumar Solet’s consolation goal for Udinese.

Hopes for safety

A last-minute goal from Stefano Moreo earned Pisa a 2-2 draw at Cagliari.

Pisa was three points away from safety. Cagliari remained three points above the relegation zone.

Genoa was a point behind Cagliari and hosted Atalanta later on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Torino won 1-0 at Sassuolo.

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AP Football: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer