Rangers into the UEFA Finals (0-0) (4-2 pens)

After a frustrating two hours of football in Florence's Stadio Artemio Franchi, Nacho Novo buried his penalty past Sebestien Frey to finally defeat Fiorentina. Walter Smith refused to commit to an attack with only one striker on the pitch throughout most of the match and Rangers were plagued by Belgian referee Frank De Bleeckere who was content to reward the Italians for their incessant enhancement while ignoring their repeated cheap shots. All four yellows and one red went against the tourists.

Fiorentina brought Vieri off the bench at 79th minute. Smith countered with Novo at 81. Novo was the only sign of a Rangers attack while Vieri failed to convert on several opportunities. Novo's coupling with Rangers' solitary striker was negated when Daniel Cousins saw red for a second yellow in the second half of extra time after being provoked by Fiorentina captain Liverani.

After 210 minutes of goalless footy, prospects for that to change looked good but bleak for Rangers. Sebastien Frey is France's future keeper while Neil Alexander isn't even Walter Smith's first choice. It showed on the first volley, Frey made a smart save on Barry Ferguson while Alexander was unable to stop Kuzmanovic despite guessing right. Whittaker buried his shot to get Rangers on the scoreboard, but Montivello made Alexander look silly putting Rangers down 1-2. Bleak just became bleaker. Walter isn't taking chances on any more islanders. Papac levels and then hope! Alexander blocks Liverani. Hemdani puts his shot into the back of the net. Up comes Vieri who puts the ball over the crossbar. The Old Man has Failed! Exultation as Ranger fans across the world exhale two quiet syllables. No-Vo. Up comes the Spaniards and Rangers are going to to Manchester!