Vincenzo Italiano explains why Giacomo Bonaventura’s role could make Fiorentina more unpredictable against Olympiacos in the Conference League Final.
It kicks off at the AEK Arena in Athens at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“Everyone can tell what the atmosphere is this evening and what awaits us, what we are playing for,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
“We have a little more experience now and know what we are going into. We had the right preparation and I see the lads in the right shape. We will give our all on the field.”
Italiano’s Fiorentina have more experience now
The Tuscans were in two Finals last season, losing both the Coppa Italia to Inter and the Conference League to West Ham United, but find themselves back in the showdown for silverware in Europe.
The starting line-ups are as expected, although Bonaventura’s position is rather open, as he could drop into the three-man midfield or move into a more advanced trequartista role behind the striker.
“Jack knows how to move both upfront and in midfield. If needs be, he will be more of a midfielder, but he also knows how to push forward. These games can also be decided with changes off the bench, so everyone will be of use,” added Italiano.
While Fiorentina are unbeaten in 13 European games, Olympiacos stepped into the Conference League via the Europa League in February and eliminated Aston Villa in the semi-final.
“The team arrives with a lot of enthusiasm, their last few games in the competition have shown a lot of quality. I fear their enthusiasm and the fact their strikers always tend to score goals.
“We must do well when we manage to get in front of their goal, because they do leave gaps.”