Fiorentina won the first leg of their Europa League qualifier against Grasshopper Zurich this evening.

The Italian side ran out 2-1 winners in Switzerland, thanks to an own goal right at the start of the second half.

The visitors took the lead early on through Juan Cuadrado. The wing-back sprinted to retrieve the ball on the byline, but instead of crossing, he fired in from a tight angle.

Mario Gomez was then denied by the goalkeeper after reacting to a defensive error and firing the ball towards goal.

Just before the break, Fiorentina were denied again by the goalkeeper, this time getting down to palm away Alberto Aquilani's header.

Within a minute of the re-start, the Italians doubled their lead. Giuseppe Rossi played in Gomez, who was credited with a debut goal despite the final touch coming from Stephane Grichting.

Grasshopper got one back midway through the second period, surprising their opponents with a quick free kick which allowed Anat Ngamukoi to head in at the back post.

There were few chances thereafter and it is Fiorentina who take a lead back to Italy for the return leg.

Written by
Daniel Cross