A mixed night for Italian teams in European competitions. Fiorentina suffered a 3-2 defeat against Panathinaikos in Athens despite a first-half comeback. Meanwhile, in the Europa League, Lazio pulled off a heroic 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen despite being down to nine men, while Roma edged past Athletic Bilbao in stoppage time thanks to a last-minute winner from Shomurodov.
Fiorentina’s night was a rollercoaster. Panathinaikos took an early two-goal lead through Swiderski and Maksimovic, exploiting defensive lapses. However, the Viola quickly responded, leveling the score in just three minutes with Beltrán and Fagioli. But the second half was a different story, as Fiorentina failed to create danger while Panathinaikos sealed the win with a precise strike from Tetê after hitting the post with Djuricic. Palladino’s men now need a big performance in the return leg at the Franchi on March 13.
In the Europa League, Lazio put on a remarkable display of resilience. Reduced to nine men after Rovella and Gigot were sent off, the Biancocelesti held firm and struck deep into stoppage time, with Isaksen netting the decisive 2-1 goal in the 98th minute.
Roma advances in Europa League as Dybala shines in 3-2 win over Porto
20 Feb - 23:47 •
1' min
Roma also secured a crucial victory, overcoming Athletic Bilbao 2-1. After a balanced first half where Dybala hit the crossbar, the Spaniards took the lead through Inaki Williams. The Giallorossi responded immediately, as Angelino equalized following a brilliant pass from Celik. In the dying moments, Bilbao went down to ten men, and Roma capitalized, with Shomurodov scoring the winner at the very last opportunity.
