Marcello Lippi touts Fiorentina to beat Sevilla and expects an all-Italian Europa League final against Napoli.
The Viola lost their four last games in Serie A, but with an upcoming Europa League semi-final on Thursday, the World Cup-winning Coach believes it's normal to lose some of their edge.
“It's always this way when there's a trophy at stake,” he said. “I don't think there's anything strange about that.
Marcello Lippi touts Fiorentina to beat Sevilla and expects an all-Italian Europa League final against Napoli.
The Viola lost their four last games in Serie A, but with an upcoming Europa League semi-final on Thursday, the World Cup-winning Coach believes it's normal to lose some of their edge.
“It's always this way when there's a trophy at stake,” he said. “I don't think there's anything strange about that.
“Fiorentina can hold their own against Sevilla, regardless of their current form. They cannot be negative, they need optimism.
“In terms of the draw, the main thing was not to pick Napoli. Sevilla are a more approachable team than the one coached by [Rafa] Benitez.
“Besides, this lets us dream of an all-Italian final, which would be an excellent response from our football movement.”
The tactician from Viareggio was also asked for his opinion on the Gigliati's quarter-final against Dynamo Kiev.
“In the return leg they never put their qualification at risk and I didn't feel nervous for a moment.
“In fact, I had the feeling that the Viola could strike at any moment. That's the right mentality for [Mario] Gomez and his teammates – attacking, and never changing your game philosophy.
“Admittedly there's a big difference between Sevilla and Napoli’s opponents Dnipro, but as I said, you have to see the glass half-full, because things could have been worse.
“Sevilla command respect, they are strong and they know how to win the Europa League. I'm hopeful, all we need is for the European Fiorentina to take to the pitch.
“In the championship they've often been distracted, and that costs you dearly in Serie A. But the European atmosphere is something else. You can't underestimate a match against the Spaniards.”
In closing, Lippi was asked which teams he expected to progress to the last round.
“I think we'll have an all-Italian final, it's the right year for that.”