Vincenzo Italiano explains his choices for the Conference League quarter-final against Viktoria Plzen, as Fiorentina need to be ‘more enterprising in the final third.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Roma–Milan and Atalanta-Liverpool on the LIVEBLOG.
The first leg was goalless in the Czech Republic, so it’s winner takes all here, especially as the away goals rule no longer applies in UEFA tournaments.
If the score on aggregate is still level after 90 minutes, the tie will go to extra time and perhaps even penalties.
Jack Bonaventura was expected to start, but is not even on the bench due to an ankle injury, with M’Bala Nzola also unavailable.
“In the first leg we did what we prepared, but were a little slow and didn’t create enough dangerous chances. So the idea today is to be more determined in the final third, to keep the ball and we hope that strategy will be the right one,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
“Jack played against Genoa with a swollen ankle, he didn’t feel good, so with many games coming up, we thought it best not to risk it and instead have him at 100 per cent for those matches. It’s disappointing, because everyone knows what he brings to the team, especially in these big games, but it’s better this way.”
Italiano asked for ‘positive energy’ and the ultras put up banners all over the city urging the fans to pack out the stadium.
“I think this is fundamental, as I know the lads and their characters. The moment they are cheered on, pushed by the warmth of the fans, they can give far, far more. Seeing as we are on the verge of something extraordinary this year too and are on home turf, I think by speeding up the movement of the ball and being a bit more enterprising in the final third, we can cause problems for Viktoria Plzen.”
It won’t be easy, as the Czech side have kept seven consecutive Conference League clean sheets and are still unbeaten in the tournament proper so far this season.
“The last 16 metres seem like they cannot be breached, but those areas can cause problems for those teams who defend with a low block. You can create chances there, get balls into the box and maybe finish them off. We can get there with full-backs, with midfielders, with forwards or a ball over the top.
“Mandragora knows how to read those situations and get there, he needs to push into those positions.”