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Serie A: Fiorentina 0 Milan 2

Goals in each half from Philippe Mexes and Mario Balotelli saw Seedorf's mid-table side lift their flagging season as they produced a masterful display at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, were dealt a blow to their UEFA Champions League hopes, after successive Serie A wins had lifted hopes of a late surge towards third place.

Seedorf rang the changes after the "positive step" of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Lazio, with goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, Sulley Muntari, Adel Taarabt and Mario Balotelli all restored to the starting line-up.

Spanish winger Borja Valero then saw a 20-yard left-footed drive go narrowly over for Fiorentina, as Milan continued to keep Vincenzo Montella's side at arm's length.

Balotelli had begun to grow into the game, and he curled an exquisite 20-yard free-kick over the wall to beat Neto for his 12th league goal of the season to put the game beyond the hosts. 

Fiorentina piled on some late pressure but their play was ragged and prompted no clear cut chances as Milan comfortably saw the game out.