This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's claims that his side can 'beat anyone' in Europe came back to haunt as Stevan Jovetic inspired Fiorentina to a 2-0 victory in Florence.
Teenager Jovetic would perhaps not have featured if Fiorentina star Alberto Gilardino was not suspended, but he did not disappoint on his first start in the European Cup by producing an impressively energetic and skilful display.
Cesare Prandelli's Fiorentina deservedly took the lead in the 28th minute when Jovetic broke an unorganised Liverpool offside trap to collect a pass from the excellent Cristiano Zanetti and slot past Pepe Reina.
The 19-year-old then doubled his team's lead in the 37th minute as he deflected a Juan Vargas cross-shot to leave Benitez's shell-shocked side two goals behind at half-time.
Liverpool improved slightly in the second half, with Lucas Leiva heading over the crossbar shortly after the interval, but the damage had been done in a horribly out-of-sorts, continental performance.
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This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.
Tagged: Champions League , Fiorentina