Fiorentina are on the verge of Champions League qualification after yesterday's 2-1 win over Empoli.
Manuel Pasqual's free-kick allowed the host to take a 43rd minute lead before defender Luis Jimenez extend his team's advantage on the hour mark.
Former Fiorentina striker Christian Rigano reduced the deficit six minutes later but it did little to inspire the visitors as the Viola held on for the win.
The result has allowed Cesare Prandelli's side to extend their advantage over close rivals Roma to three points with three games remaining, after the Giallorossi were held to a goalless draw by Sampdoria.
Prandelli said afterwards: "Both Fiorentina and Roma have done enough to deserve a place in the Champions League and should therefore be applauded.
"It's difficult to make calculations in this situation, as all I'm thinking about is our difficult trip to Palermo and the fact we'll be fighting for this position until the end of the season."
Empoli trainer Luigi Cagni also said: "It's no shame to lose against a great side like Fiorentina, but the fact we kept the game open until the final whistle is satisfying. Our objective is to reach 40 points and there are three matches left to achieve that, even if Messina must win every encounter to threaten us now."
Manuel Pasqual's free-kick allowed the host to take a 43rd minute lead before defender Luis Jimenez extend his team's advantage on the hour mark.
Former Fiorentina striker Christian Rigano reduced the deficit six minutes later but it did little to inspire the visitors as the Viola held on for the win.
The result has allowed Cesare Prandelli's side to extend their advantage over close rivals Roma to three points with three games remaining, after the Giallorossi were held to a goalless draw by Sampdoria.
Prandelli said afterwards: "Both Fiorentina and Roma have done enough to deserve a place in the Champions League and should therefore be applauded.
"It's difficult to make calculations in this situation, as all I'm thinking about is our difficult trip to Palermo and the fact we'll be fighting for this position until the end of the season."
Empoli trainer Luigi Cagni also said: "It's no shame to lose against a great side like Fiorentina, but the fact we kept the game open until the final whistle is satisfying. Our objective is to reach 40 points and there are three matches left to achieve that, even if Messina must win every encounter to threaten us now."
