Football around the world: Italy

A SPECTACULAR performance from the Brazilian striker Edmundo in Fiorentina's 3-0 away win against Empoli on Sunday night not only kept the Florence club on top of Serie A but effectively scotched rumours of turmoil within their squad.

Fiorentina's victory saw them maintain a three-point lead over second- placed Lazio. After Fiorentina's 2-0 defeat at Lazio two weeks ago, their coach, Giovanni Trapattoni, hit out at his players, telling them to stop squabbling.

It had been suggested that Edmundo and the Portuguese midfielder, Rui Costa, refuse to pass the ball to one another. However, on Sunday Rui Costa said: "I've always considered Edmundo a great player, one of the best in the world."