Fiorentina close in on Serie A safety with tight win over Lazio

Even though Lazio's away fixtures have often been low scoring in the first half, managing only five goals before the break across their 15 league matches on the road this term, it was the visitors from Rome who controlled the initial play.

Fiorentina's shot stopper David de Gea stepped up twice to preserve the scoreless sheet, first diverting a Mattia Zaccagni attempt with an acrobatic dive, then blocking Matteo Cancellieri using his feet shortly after.

The first period concluded in a dull draw, yet from that tedium emerged the surprise breakthrough strike.

Gosens leaped higher than Manuel Lazzari to connect with Jack Harrison's delivery and, although the German directed the header downward with limited power, its accuracy sufficed to elude Lazio keeper Edoardo Motta.

After suffering a crushing loss to Crystal Palace in midweek that damaged their UEFA Conference League aspirations, Fiorentina are now concentrating entirely on avoiding relegation in Serie A.

La Viola appeared secure in securing those crucial points for much of the game, their main concern arriving in the 65th minute during a prolonged VAR check over a penalty claim from Lazio, though official Michael Fabbri upheld his initial call to wave play on.

Lazio's efforts to claw their way back proved ineffective and uninspiring, limited to a single effort on goal after the interval, as Maurizio Sarri's squad watched their faint hopes of finishing in the top six evaporate in the misty evening air of Tuscany.

For supporters at the stadium, this result marked yet another encouraging development in their recovery from a woeful beginning to the season, and a reassuring return to form following their dismal performance across the Channel.