Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano explains some of his personnel choices in the Conference League semi-final against FC Basel. ‘We studied their strikers and are ready for them.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
The Viola had started out struggling, but became one of the favourites for the trophy after winning nine games in a row and becoming top scorers in the competition.
That run was ended by a 3-2 home defeat to Lech Poznan, even if they still went through 7-4 on aggregate in the quarter-final.
Igor had been expected to play in central defence, but instead Luca Ranieri got the nod in place of suspended Nikola Milenkovic.
“Ranieri has been a wonderful surprise this season and he is being used today because he can read situations very well, especially counter-attacks, which is where Basel tend to thrive,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.
Centre-forward Arthur Cabral returns to the starting XI after shaking off injury issues.
“Cabral trained yesterday, the pain has gone and I hope being a former Basel player will also give him extra motivation.
“We want to get a good result that will give us an advantage going into the second leg and we are ready.”
The second leg will be in Basel next Thursday May 18.
The Swiss side are having problems domestically, but in the Conference League managed to progress to the final four after eliminating Nice in extra time.
“Basel risked going out several times in this competition, but always managed to claw their way back, including a victory over Nice in the quarter-finals. If they reach the semi-finals, it means they have a lot of quality.
“We studied their strikers and the way they attack the space with those two rapid forwards and we think we’re ready for them.”