Commentary: Fiorentina 0-0 Rangers (2-4 pens)

Last updated: 1st May 2008

massimo gobbi v Kevin Thomson Fiorentina v Rangers

No goals

Thanks everyone Thanks everyone for your views tonight. We'll do it all again in Manchester on 14th May!!!

Novo scores Novo scores to the left to put Rangers into the final. 4-2 R. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!

Vieri misses Vieri blasts over. Rangers just need to score now. 3-2 R

Hemdani scores He nets into the bottom right hand corner. 3-2 R

Liverani misses He hits it to the left and Alexander guesses right and dives to his left. Game on!! 2-2

Papac scores He sends the keeper the wrong way and hits it into the left. 2-2

Montolivo scores He hits it into the middle of the net as Alexander dives to the left. 2-1 F

Whittaker scores He scores into the top of the net. 1-1

Kuzmanovic scores He hits it hard and low to the right and Alexander guesses right but it beats him. 1-0 F

Penalties - Ferguson misses Ferguson takes the first but Frey goes to his right and saves. Oh no!! 0-0

Scotty's view Scotty says: "Come on Rangers. I think Alexander will be the hero tonight!" Let's hope so Scotty!

FULL-TIME That's it, we're going to penalties. Rangers have done so well to hold on here, a real gutsy performance. Hold on to your hats folks!!

120 mins - Vieri chance Vieri has another chance but puts his left-footed shot wide of the right post. He should have done better. moments before he went down in the box looking for a penalty but the ref rightly waved on.

Injury time announced Two minutes more to play.

119 mins - Vieri miss Vieri is the next to miss a good chance as the game opens up.

117 mins - Rangers chance Rangers win a corner on the left. Ferguson takes and the keeper misses. The ball falls to Novo who shoots but the keeper recovers and saves. Thirty seconds later Fiorentina hit Rangers on the break and Semioli crosses from the left and Mutu heads just wide under pressure from Whittaker.

115 mins - Jorgensen cross Jorgensen has acres of space on the left and sends in a cross into the box but the ref spots a hand-ball and blows in favour of Rangers, who now seem stretched after Cousin's madness.

113 mins - Gobbi run Gobbi gets to the right by-line and crosses but is adjudged to have run the ball out and Rangers live another day.

111 mins - Jorgensen shot Jorgensen shoots from the left but his effort is wide. Vieri tries to get his head on it but it goes out.

108 mins - Cousin off Cousin is off after getting a stupid yellow card. He is upset with a challenge by Liverani and so puts his head against his opponent. It is madness and the ref has no choice but to send him off. What an idiot. He takes ages to go after the decision.

106 mins - Great defending Cuellar does really well to block a shot over from Mutu. Fantastic! Fiorentina take the corner but Rangers clear.

Re-start The last period gets underway.

More views Jean says: "BIGGEST RANGERS FAN EVER WIN OR LOSE BUT A WIN WOULD DO WONDERS FOR AN ALREADY BRILLIANT SEASON. COME ON RANGERS."

Kirsty says: "SEEMS CELTIC FANS ARE JUST LIKE THEIR TEAM-JEALOUS OF ANY SCOTTISH CLUB DOING BETTER THAN THEM. HAIL WALTER SMITH, THE SAVIOUR OF RANGERS."

HALF-TIME INJURY-TIME Still all square as we go into the last period of the game.

Injury time One minute of injury time in this period.

104 mins - Montolivo shot Montolivo shoots from 35 yards out but it goes wide.

101 mins - Cousin header Cousin has a header at goal which Frey easily saves. The keeper puts the ball back in play and Rangers win it back and it goes to Cousin on the left. He spots Frey is off his line and tries the lob but it is over.

100 mins - Better cross Jorgensen puts in a much better ball from the left and it flashes just wide of the right-hand post, with Vieri just not able to get on the ball.

98 mins - Jorgensen cross Jorgensen crosses from the left but his ball is over-hit. The crowd have gone quiet now.

97 mins - Stalemate No more chances as the game goes into a lull.

More views Gordon says: "Come on 'Gers. These two-and-a-half hour lunches are really cutting into my productivity (but good job holding the line so far)" Your boss will not be pleased mate!!!

John says: "Josh, I am still sat in Germany (Hameln. Only a 'TIC' fan would be sat there wishing the worst for a Scottish Team! I hope that we go on and win the UEFA, League and Scottish Cup. It will not be from the support of you, the SFA or the other clubs in Scotland who can't see past their own trophy room! The Blue Bells are Blue!"

Shandy says: "another 120 minutes for the gers, you'll drop points on sunday. HAIL HAIL!"

95 mins - Semioli cross Semioli puts in a cross from the left but it is overhit and Rangers clear.

94 mins - Semioli on Semioli on for Santana.

91 mins - Vieri chance Vieri gets behind Cuellar on the right and shoots from the edge of the box but his effort goes across goal and wide of the left-hand post.

Re-start Fiorentina get extra-time underway.

More views Richie says: "message to Martin We won five that year not a poxy four HAIL HAIL"

Kirsty says: "COME ON GERS. BEST SEASON IN YEARS SO DON'T SPOIL IT NOW. ALSO WHO CARES WHAT CELTIC DID IN 1967?"

Martin says: "alright Eliza, COME ON YOUSE BLUENOSES!!!"

Joe says: "Scottish Team Eliza? I hope not. They are the anti-soccer brigade."

FULL-TIME It's still goal-less so we're going into extra-time. Rangers have defended heroically here, but can their legs hold out?

90 (+1) mins - Penalty shout Mutu goes down in the box under a Cuellar challenge but the ref gives a goal-kick, much to Mutu's disgust. Replays show he may have been unlucky not to get the kick.

90 mins - Injury time Two minutes added on.

89 mins - Fiorentina corner Fiorentina win a corner on the left when Liverani's shot is deflected wide by Ferguson. The Italian side take and the ball eventually goes out for a throw and then they win a free-kick by the left by-line. They take and Kuzmanovic eventually pulls his shot wide.

88 mins - Stalemate Still stalemate, Rangers are holding firm....

More views Josh says: "As a Celtic fan, I've been hoping that this match would go to extra time--anything to make the Gers play longer! I can't decide if I want them to win or not though, as a loss for them is always nice, but a win, although giving them an extra match to worry about, would extend the SPL season. I can't decide!!"

Eliza says: "Martin - forget this rivalry - shout for a SCOTTISH team."

84 mins - Whittaker chance Whittaker shoots from 30 yards out on the left. his effort takes a slight deflection and is curling towards goal and Frey needs a good save to his right to keep the ball out. the ball falls to Novo and his effort is deflected out for a Rangers corner on the right. Rangers take put Fiorentina clear. Rangers best chance so far.

83 mins - Vieri chance Mutu finds Vieri in front of goal but he skies over.

More views Mark says: "Come on the Gers! Lets add another trophy to our cabinet! Paul must be a Bhoy fan!!!"

Martin says: "message to scotty: first of all, the word is unprecedented, it's got nothing to do with the president. secondly, Celtic won the quadruple in 1967 except with the more prestigious European cup..."

Archie says: "not many gers fans here in Manhattan but I am making as much noise as possible I remember this team (Fiorentina) from the sixties when they duffed us up payback would be soooooo sweet THERE'S NOT A TEAM LIKE THE GLASGOW RANGERS."

80 mins - Novo on Novo is on for Davis who looked shattered after giving his all.

79 mins - Vieri chance Vieri should have scored with his first touch of the game. Fiorentina take a free-kick 30 yards out and Liverani heads down to Vieri who is only three yards out but the ball gets trapped under his favoured left leg and Rangers scramble the ball clear.

78 mins - Vieri on The veteran Vieri is on for Pazzini, a striker for a striker.

76 mins - Davis shot The ball somehow gets through to Davis who is surrounded by defenders in the Fiorentina box. He manages to get his shot off eight yards out but his right footed effort lacks power and Frey easily saves.

75 mins - Rangers press Rangers make a rare foray into the Fiorentina half. Papac has a flick on but the Italian side clwear for a throw-in and then clear the throw.

72 mins - Cousin booked Cousin is booked for a challenge. Fiorentina have a free-kick 40 yards out on the right, Montolivo eventually puts in a cross which falls to Gamerini who skies mhis shot over.

More views Scotty says: "hi to all my fello gers fans... im stuck in iraq at the minute but looking back to the last time i was here the rangers managed to have a successful season then.... maybe me being away from the rangers is a lucky charm??? i hope it gives the lads out there tonight all the luck (and charm) they need to get through to a historic uefa cup final for a unpresidented quadrupole.... WE ARE THE PEOPLE."

John says: "I am still sat in Germany with a real feeling that Rangers have got what it takes to ge the goal and the result that will take us to the final in Manchester on 14 May. After 17 games in Europe this season and no real backing from the SFA to extend the league to compensate for the replays, cancellations and European games I say let's do it for the whole of Scottish and British football and bring both the European Cup (Man-Utd or Chelsea) and the UEFA Cup home to Great Britain!!! Come on Rangers!"

Robert says: "If Rangers can keep it at 0-0 then they have a chance in penalties............"

69 mins - Mutu effort Weir is booked for a challenge. Fiorentina have a free-kick 35 yards out in front of goal. The ball is touched side-ways to Mutu and he hits a powerful swerving shot which Alexander can not hold, but he bravely gathers on his second attempt.

66 mins - Fiorentina corner Fiorentina win another corner on the left but Rangers hold firm and clear. The Italians are soon coming back at them though and, after pressing the Rangers box, Montolivo puts a shot wide of the right post.

64 mins - Cousin on Cousin is on for Darcheville for Rangers. The striker has given his all for Rangers in difficult circumstances. It is a good switch.

61 mins - Fiorentina corner Fiorentina win a corner on the right and the ball eventually falls to Ujfalusi who puts his powerful right-footed shot just over from 15 yards out. Best effort so far.

More views Paul says: "I can only see Fiorentina winning with this negative style of play from Rangers!"

Eliza says: "I'm watching the live score in Oman - let's ALL get behind Rangers for the glory of Scotland......"

Stuart says: "Come on the Gers, the team is one goal away from greatness!! Dig deep guys you can do it!! Blue Nose in Houston"

James says: "No matter which way it goes in the 2nd 45 i think Rangers have given us a great run in Europe , even Walter Smith concedes he's surprised at being there today.

Best of all Colin in Spain is right , pressures on Fiorentina now."

57 mins - Pazzini shot Liverani crosses from the left. The ball has pace on it and it is met by Pazzini but his effort is blocked by Weir. How long can Rangers hang on now - they need to slow the game right down now before they are over-run.

56 mins - Free-kick Fiorentina win a free-kick 25 yards out on the left of goal. Mutu takes a shot which flashes across the face of goal but is well wide of the right up-right. Rangers will have to weather this storm - the crowd are right behind the home team now.

55 mins - Fiorentina corner The Italians win a corner on the right and Montolivo puts the ball over for Mutu but he is adjudged to have fouled.

53 mins - Fiorentina press Fiorentina press the Rangers box with a Mutu-Pazzini one-two. the ball eventually falls to Gamberini but his cross from the left is easily gathered by alexander. The Italian side have more purpose, their tempo is lifted and Rangers will have to be careful

51 mins - Pazzini effort Mutu does really well to get to the right by-line and cross. his cross has pace on it and Pazzini meets it at the near-post and puts his effort just yards wide. Probably their best chance all game.

48 mins - Mutu skies! Fiorentina have the better of the opening minutes of the second-half. They have lots of possession but do not trouble the Rangers goal until Mutu tries a shot from the right of goal but his effort is well over.

Re-start Fiorentina get the second-half underway.

More views Colin in La Manga, Spain says: "The longer this goes scoreless, fiorentina will become more aware of conceding a double counting away goal in the 90 minutes. come on the gers."

Terry says: "I think rangers are coping well but their system is very deep and they will find it difficult to up the gear if Fiorentina score. I predict 1 -0 win for Fiorentina."

Logan says: "Come on the Gers! It's time to make history - Could do with Coisty leading the line!"

But Steven is not impressed. He says: "Rangers playing the % game again away from home but I fear their Euro luck will finally run out tonight. Euro finals deserve football minded teams to fit the spectacle." What do you think about that, Rangers' fans?

Gordon has been back in touch. He says: "I hope this doesn't go into extra time. I have already overextended my lunchtimes twice this week with the CL semi-final. Thank goodness for the Internet." Let's hope Rangers win in normal time Gordon so you don't get in trouble with your boss.

Thanks for your views. Anyone else who would like to comment, please send your views/predictions of the game to: steve.pass@bskyb.com or if you are using the scorecentre you can use the feedback button. I will post them up after I've got my brew!!

HALF-TIME Rangers will be very pleased after holding the Italian team in the first period. The mission is still on target. I will post up some more views before going for a brew!!

45 mins - Stalemate Fiorentina enjoy possession but can not get near the Rangers goal.

Extra time One minute of injury time to play.

Crowd frustrated The home crowd is whistling with frustration after a Fiorentina attack breaks down, which must be music to Rangers ears!!

41 mins - Donadel subbed Donandel is subbed with Kuzmanovic after being injured in an earlier challenge with Thomson. Pazzini is back playing.

39 mins - Mutu shot Santana finds Mutu on the left of the box and Mutu shoots but his effort hits Weir and Rangers clear. Fiorentina then come back at them and win a corner after a Pazzini flick. The corner is taken and Pazzini's header is deflected out. They take the next corner and Pazzini again heads but his effort is wide. Pazzini is down injured and is receiving treatment.

37 mins - Rangers press Rangers press with Ferguson finding Darcheville in the box but he can not get a shot in before the ref blows for an infringement.

More views Simon says: "i think the gers will win after extra time,well hopefully cos im in tenerife and that means extra beers on the balcony where it is 32 degrees now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! come on gers" I hope you get your extra beers Simon!!

John says: "Hi to all the fellow Blue Noses out there. I am urrently sat in Germany listening to the Rangers match after watching Dick Advocate's team demolish Bayern (who bragged they were too strong for the Russian's). Fiorentina made the same statement about the Scottish Premier League. Let's be re-united with Advocate in the final on 14 May in Manchester and cheer the 'Teddy Bears' onto a famous win! Come on Rangers!"

James says: "Ditto those best wishes to Rangers from a bear in Pennsylvania , aint no California weather but the way Rangers are playing is better than any sunshine."

35 mins - Stalemate No more chances. Rangers are holding firm again after the strong Fiorentina spell.

29 mins - Mutu shot Fiorentina win a free-kick to the left of the Rangers box after Papac is wrongly adjudged to have conceded the kick. It is taken to Mutu who is on his own 15 yards out in front of goal but his shot is charged down and Rangers clear. This is a worrying spell for Rangers as Fiorentina are building impetus.

28 mins - Fiorentina chance Montolivo gets to the right by-line and pulls the ball back for Santana in front of goal, who back flicks the ball towards goal but Papac clears. Good chance.

27 mins - Thomson booked Thomson is booked for a challenge on Santana.

More views John says: "Barry Ferguson now has to show that a captain leads by example and live up to his potential as a legends and takes us all the way to the final!!!!! come on you teddy bears!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Gordon says: "California is a long way from Florence ... but my heart is with the team. Go 'Gers" Hope the weather is good there Gordon.

Thanks for your views. Anyone else who would like to comment, please send your views/predictions of the game to: steve.pass@bskyb.com or if you are using the scorecentre you can use the feedback button.

23 mins - Gobbi cross Trust me to say Rangers are settled! Gobbi makes it to the right by-line and crosses over. Alexander comes out to catch but misses the ball and Papac has to clear. This is Rangers' first scare.

22 mins - Montolivo effort Montolivo cuts inside on the right but blazes his long-range effort well over the bar. Rangers are coping well and are now well settled in this game.

21 mins - Mutu shot Mutu shoots from the edge of the box but he scuffs his effort and it rolls without threat to Alexander. Replays show it hits his arm also.

19 mins - Montolivo effort Fiorentina are reduced to a 30-yard long-range effort by Montolivo in front of goal. Although his shot curles, it is straight at Alexander and he easily gathers.

18 mins - No chances No more chances on goal. Rangers have pressed the Fiorentina box, earning whistles from the home fans, which they will be pleased with!

More views Winston says: "If anyone had told me back in August that Rangers would still have it all to play for on may 1 I wouldn't have believed it. Come on the Gers!"

Blake says: "Come on Rangers! 'Gers to win in Extra Time 2-1!"

Thanks for your views. Anyone else who would like to comment, please send your views/predictions of the game to: steve.pass@bskyb.com or if you are using the scorecentre you can use the feedback button.

15 mins - Stalemate No further chances as Rangers hold firm. They have weathered the early storm and are now enjoying more possession.

11 mins - Santana cross Santana is in a good position on the left of the Rangers box but his cross is wild and goes out for a Rangers throw. Wasted chance.

9 mins - Good tackling Davis does well to dis-possess Gobbi and Rangers break forward and win a corner on the left. Davis takes and Cuellar flicks on before the ball goes back to Davis who puts another cross in but it is adjudged to have gone out and the Italians clear. First Rangers threat.

8 mins - Stalemate Fiorentina enjoy possession and threaten the Rangers box but the Scots stay firm.

5 mins - Good defending Cuellar makes two good pieces of defending as Fiorentina press. First, Mutu tries to play a one-two with Gobbi but Cuellar intercepts. Then he heads out a cross for a corner, which Rangers then clear through a Ferguson header.

3 mins - Fiorentina free-kick In the first real action of the game, Fiorentina win a free-kick 30 yards out on the left but Liverani's cross is easily gathered by keeper Alexander.

Grahame's view Grahame says: "I am a rangers fan i really hope that they can pull it off as the favourites' munich are out so its all to play for..." That is true Grahame, though Zenit look good as well. Thanks for your view, please send your views/predictions of the game to: steve.pass@bskyb.com or if you are using the scorecentre you can use the feedback button.

Kick-off Rangers get the game underway.

My prediction The atmosphere is building in Florence at the crowd gets ready for the game. My prediction is a 1-1 draw and Rangers to go through on the away goal. Mutu to score first for Fiorentina, with Ferguson getting the winner for Rangers. What is your view? Please send your views/predictions of the game to: steve.pass@bskyb.com or if you are using the scorecentre you can use the feedback button.

Team news Rangers defender David Weir has been passed fit and will play in the game.

Weir was initially ruled out of the clash in Florence after sustaining a groin injury against Celtic on Sunday.

But the 37-year-old has surprised medical staff by recovering swiftly and will feature alongside Carlos Cuellar in central defence, with Kirk Broadfoot and Sasa Papac in the full-back roles.

Fiorentina: Frey, Jorgensen, Gamberini, Ujfalusi, Gobbi, Donadel, Liverani, Montolivo, Santana, Pazzini, Mutu. Subs: Avramov, Dainelli, Semioli, Osvaldo, Kuzmanovic, Pasqual, Vieri.

Rangers: Alexander, Broadfoot, Cuellar, Weir, Papac, Hemdani, Davis, Ferguson, Thomson, Whittaker, Darcheville. Subs: Graeme Smith, Buffel, Boyd, Novo, Cousin, Dailly, Faye.

Welcome Welcome to Italy where Fiorentina host Rangers with a place in the final of the Uefa Cup up for grabs. The tie is finely poised after the 0-0 draw at Ibrox with Walter Smith's men looking for the vital away goal which could swing the tie in their favour. As per usual, please send your views/predictions of the game to: steve.pass@bskyb.com or if you are using the scorecentre you can use the feedback button.