Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano knows they have to ‘start strong, force their hand and try to score early’ in the Conference League semi-final against FC Basel, overturning the 2-1 first leg defeat.
It kicks off in Switzerland on Thursday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
The Viola had taken the lead at the Stadio Artemio Franchi through Arthur Cabral, who is a former FC Basel player, but wasted opportunities caught up with them and the visitors turned it around for a last-gasp 2-1 victory.
There is no away goals rule, so if Fiorentina win by any one-goal margin, it will be level on aggregate and go to extra time.
“We are well aware of the first leg result, so we must try to start strong, force their hand and try to score early to get it back on level terms,” said Italiano in his press conference.
“At the same time, we should also have patience and remember this is a strong opponent that is very good at what they do. I expect a similar match to the first leg, we just need to push harder and show more quality than we did in the final third. We’ve got to try to win it.”
Fiorentina have already booked their place in the Coppa Italia Final, where they will face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on May 24, and are hoping to add the Europa Conference League Final to that schedule.
“The season was exhilarating and positive, we can still add a cherry on the cake. The lads proved once again they are in the moment with mind and body. We don’t want to give in now, we need the performance, just like we did against Udinese.
“We reach this appointment because of our qualities and we need to rely on them.”
Cabral had missed out on the Udinese game at the weekend, but the Brazilian was only being rested for the Conference League clash.
“He is fine, he recovered and seems to be in top condition. Having Cabral at 100 per cent really is an extra weapon for us and tomorrow he’ll be eager to prove himself.”