Mutu sends Fiorentina back to fourth

ROME, Italy -- Adrian Mutu's 14th league goal of the season gave Fiorentina a 2-1 Serie-A victory over Catania on Sunday, sending them back into fourth place in the table and maintaining their hopes of a place in next season's Champions League.

Zradko Kuzmanovic headed Fiorentina into a 41st minute lead from Mario Alberto Santana's cross but Catania equalized after an hour when Juan Vargas beat substitute goalkeeper Vlada Avramov on his senior debut.

Avramov replaced Sebastian Frey, who suffered a thigh injury, in the first period.

The reliable Romanian striker Mutu fired in Fiorentina's winner from 20 meters after 71 minutes.

Fiorentina are three ahead of AC Milan, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Parma on Saturday.

Sampdoria won the derby game in Genoa 1-0, and kept their UEFA Cup qualification hopes alive. Christian Maggio was on target after 87 minutes, after the home side were reduced to 10 men following the sending off of Brazilian defender Danilo. E-mail to a friend