Fiorentina and Roma have played out a 1-1 draw in this evening's Europa League last-16 first leg at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The hosts were quickest off the starting blocks against their Serie A rivals, knocking the ball around well in the early stages.

Fiorentina also registered the game's first chance on goal in the 13th minute, David Pizarro launching a fierce drive that whistled just wide of the post.

It wasn't long before the Viola were ahead, as a misplaced pass from Daniele De Rossi gifted the ball to Mohamed Salah, who broke away quickly before teeing up Josip Ilicic.

The Slovenian was able to control the ball before firing past the outstretched hand of Lukasz Skorupski and into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Vincenzo Montella's charges continued to threaten their compatriots, Jose Basanta firing a tame shot over the crossbar not long after scoring.

In the latter stages of the first half, Adem Ljajic spurned a golden chance to pull his side level by firing over the bar from close range after Norberto Neto had spilled a shot in front of goal.

The ex-Viola man tested his former teammate once again in the 51st minute when his near-post effort was caught under pressure, with Alessandro Florenzi lurking nearby.

Roma were a different proposition in the second half and were given the perfect chance to level the score on the hour when Neto brought down Juan Iturbe in the box, prompting the referee to give the visitors a penalty.

It wasn't to be on that occasion, however, as Ljajic's effort from the spot kick was tame and easily saved.

Nevertheless, the Giallorossi went on to redeem themselves in the 77th minute when Seydou Keita evaded his marker to thunder Florenzi's corner past Neto.