Everton had no answer to two pedigree second-half goals as they went down 2-0 away to Fiorentina in the first leg of their last-16 UEFA Cup tie.

After a first half in which Everton were off the pace - and doubtless relieved to still be level - Zdravko Kuzmanovic and then Riccardo Montolivo each produced a memorable finish to confirm the Italians' superiority.

It was harsh on Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, who had come to his team's rescue with a succession of outstanding saves - but otherwise the Toffees got their just deserts.

Howard had to produce a fine reaction save to keep his team level in the 42nd minute when a flick-on gave Christian Vieri the chance to shoot from the edge of the six-yard box - and just before the hour mark, Howard had to be at his best twice in the space of a minute as first Vieri from the edge of the area and then Kuzmanovic - after Everton had failed to clear effectively - each brought out a sharp save.

David Moyes' men were getting more into the game and Fiorentina brought on young striker Giampaolo Pazzini for Vieri in the 68th minute as they tried to re-establish their attacking superiority and barely a minute later, the hosts were finally in front when the Toffees again failed to clear properly, and Kuzmanovic's right-foot shot from 20 yards was struck and placed well enough to beat Howard at last and give Fiorentina a deserved lead.

And the hosts doubled their lead with a wonderfully-executed goal in the 82nd minute when Mario Alberto Santana worked room on the right to push the ball into the area; Martin Jorgensen's deft flick gave Montolivo room for a first-time volley - and he buried it past Howard's unavailing dive from 18 yards.

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