Fiorentina slip off the pace

European round-up

Sampdoria dealt a blow to Fiorentina's flickering Italian Serie A title hopes by holding out for a 2-2 draw in Florence that allowed the leaders, Milan, to go seven points clear.

Sampdoria silenced the home fans by taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Roberto Mancini in the 21st minute and Christian Karembeu on the stroke of half-time. Second-placed Fiorentina, desperate to prevent Milan from turning Serie A into a victory procession, struck back in the 48th minute through Rui Costa. Anselmo Robbiati equalised in the 75th minute.

Milan thrashed Vicenza 4-0 on Saturday. For once George Weah did not score - but, after a blank first half, he made three goals in the first 15 minutes of the second period. Dejan Savicevic, Marco Simone, with two goals including a penalty, and Paolo di Canio were on target.

Ajax lost top place in the Dutch League after a 2-1 defeat at Vitesse Arnhem. Patrick Kluivert's late goal was not enough to deny the home side, for whom Louis Laros scored twice. The new leaders, PSV Eindhoven, who beat Roda JC Kerkrade 3-0, have a one-point advantage but have played a game more than the Amsterdam club.