Rome  - Fiorentina came from behind Saturday to beat visiting Udinese 4-2 thanks to a brace from Riccardo Montolivo.

The young midfielder drilled home two smashing shots in the second half inflaming the Florence crowd at the Artemio Franchi while reversing Udinese's lead.

Both goalkeepers had work to do after 15 minutes of largely tactical game that flared up when Udinese striker Antonio Floro Flores called Sebastien Frey to block a header before Montolivo's feeble shot was blocked by Samir Handanovic.

Udinese gradually took the upper hand pressing the Florence hosts in their midfield and went one up on 29 minutes as Floro Flores stunned the French custodian with a precise shot from outside the box.

Frey had made an earlier save on a Gokhan Inler effort and on 32 minutes deflected another great drive from the in-form Floro Flores.

Failing to profit from their dominance, however, was deadly for Udinese, who could not sustain Fiorentina's massive pressure in the second half.

A spot kick converted by Adrian Mutu on 52 minutes levelled the score after Maurizio Domizzi fouled Alberto Gilardino.

Montolivo then materialized his side's dominance on 63 and 78 minutes finishing off a counter attack and slamming home a loose ball from outside the area.

Handanovic stood no chance against Montolivo's drives and was beaten again when Alberto Gilardino notched a fourth goal with 10 minutes left flicking home a low cross from Mutu.

Home defender Defender Gianluca Comotto added thrill to the game when he blocked with his hand a goalbound shot from Floro Flores and Antonio Di Natale converted with seven minutes to go.

Fiorentina managed to retain their two-goal lead and move to within three points of leaders Inter Milan, who play a late thrilling showdown against visiting Juventus.

Inter top the Serie A standings on 27 points, three more than Juve and Fiorentina, while AC Milan trail on 26 ahead of a late Sunday game at Torino. (dpa)