Alberto Gilardino rescued Fiorentina with a late equaliser against Sporting Lisbon in the first-leg of their Champions League qualifier.

With the Viola 2-1 down, Gilardino held off his marker to chest down Massimo Gobbi's cross and turn the ball in with the outside of his right foot.

Fiorentina had taken the lead just six minutes in through Juan Manuel Vargas before Sporting fought back through efforts from Simon Vukcevic and Miguel Veloso. Before Gila's equaliser, Vukcevic was given his marching orders.

"We suffered great difficulties, but tonight we saw the spirit of the team, the desire not to give up," said Gilardino. "I must make compliments to all my teammates for the grit and determination that we have shown."