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An equaliser with practically the last kick of the game cuts Fiorentina's lead to two points!
This was a head-to-head battle for the fourth Champions League spot and the Blucerchiati's last chance of staying in the hunt, but both had to keep an eye out for Milan. Only four points separated the teams going into the game and the Viola risked tiredness from Thursday's UEFA Cup semi-final away to Rangers. Daniel Pablo Osvaldo surprisingly stepped in for the suspended Giampaolo Pazzini, leaving Christian Vieri on the bench, while Samp were missing Hugo Campagnaro and Luca Castellazzi.
Last season this fixture ended 5-1 for the Tuscans, but earlier this season they played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Genoa. This tie last ended in a stalemate back in 1998, followed by three home wins and one away victory in 2004.
Adrian Mutu combined with Mario Alberto Santana to shave the woodwork, then Marco Donadel smashed a fierce volley just over the bar.
On 27 minutes only the woodwork denied Fiorentina, as Kuzmanovic's volley cracked against the base of the upright.
Kuzmanovic also nodded a Manuel Pasqual cross over the bar and Riccardo Montolivo skimmed the upright.
Vieri replaced Osvaldo in the second half, but Mutu missed a Martin Jorgensen assist by a matter of inches and penalty appeals for a Palombo handling offence were waved away.
Surprisingly, it was Sampdoria who took the lead at the Stadio Franchi. Cassano threaded through for Christian Maggio to skip down the right flank and squeeze his finish between the goalkeeper and the near post. The move was started by a ball Vieri lost in possession and the counter was finished off by former Fiorentina flop Maggio.
Soon after Sebastien Frey had to deny Mirko Pieri's angled drive, as Fiorentina struggled to get back on track.
However, on 78 minutes substitute Vieri drew level with a precise header from six yards on Mutu's cross from the left.
Antonio Mirante plucked another dangerous Vieri header out of the air, but moments later the referee pointed to the spot for a Stefano Lucchini trip on Mutu. The Romanian stepped up and converted by sending Mirante the wrong way.
It seemed to be over, but in the final seconds of the game Emiliano Bonazzoli's header turned into an assist for Daniele Gastaldello to nod in from six yards. Fiorentina stood around asking for an offside flag, but it never came and the match ended 2-2.
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