Florenzi among goal-of-year contenders

(ANSA) - Rome, November 30 - Alessandro Florenzi's remarkable goal from midfield that earned AS Roma a 1-1 draw in a Champions League match against Barcelona on September 16 has been selected by FIFA among the three finalists for the Puskas Award, its goal-of-the-year prize. The Italy midfielder-cum-full back noticed Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen off his line and lofted a 50-metre shot that soared over him before clipping the post on its way into the net. Florenzi also hit the headlines worldwide last year when he ran into the stands to hug his grandmother after scoring in a 2-0 win over Cagliari in Serie A.
    He faces competition for the Puskas Award from Barcelona's Argentina forward Leo Messi for the goal he netted at the end of a stunning run in their Spanish Cup final win over Athletic Bilbao in May and Brazilian Wendell Lira, who managed to twist, spin and volley home for Goianesia against Atletico Goianiense in Brazil's Campeonato Goiano.