Fiorentina 2-0 Liverpool: Fall to Jovetic brace
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Defeat saw Liverpool slip to third in Group E as they left themselves with too much to do following a poor first half performance, in which they conceded twice and failed to register a shot on goal.
The hosts have still not conceded a goal to English opposition at home in Europe in four matches and they were rarely troubled by a Liverpool side who looked out of sorts after their crushing Premier League win over Hull at the weekend.
The 19-year-old striker from Montenegro, who would most likely have been on the bench were it not for Alberto Gilardino's suspension, had the first chance of the match when he burst down the left and fired a shot in that Martin Skrtel did well to block.
From the resulting corner Jovetic chipped the ball to the back post where Marco Marchionni attempted a spectacular overhead kick and was narrowly off target.
Ten minutes later Fiorentina took the lead with Liverpool still to register a shot at goal and it was that man Jovetic again.
The Montenegro striker took full advantage of some poor defending by a Liverpool back line that tried to play offside, but Cristiano Zanetti's ball found Jovetic in acres of space and he calmly slid the ball past Jose Reina.
Far from being shocked into action, Liverpool were being thoroughly outplayed and the Viola could have scored again even before they did increase their lead on 37 minutes.
