Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella warns Juventus “the strongest side doesn’t always win” in the Europa League.
The first leg is in Turin on Thursday at 20.05 GMT, less than a week after Juve beat the Viola here 1-0 in Serie A.
Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella warns Juventus “the strongest side doesn’t always win” in the Europa League.
The first leg is in Turin on Thursday at 20.05 GMT, less than a week after Juve beat the Viola here 1-0 in Serie A.
“We know that this is a tie that is played over 180 minutes, but the intention is to score at least one goal here and hopefully to win,” said Montella in his Press conference.
“We cannot make calculations, especially when playing against opponents of this level. Naturally, I hope to win with more than a one-goal difference.
“Compared to our usual standards, we haven’t scored many goals recently. I don’t think it depends on the system, but we will have to do something better while remaining within the same principles of football.”
Fiorentina impressed in the final 20 minutes of Sunday’s game with Juve, but had been over-run for the rest of the encounter.
“We had wanted to play that way in the first half too, but a lot depends on the opponents. I don’t know how many teams played like we did in that second half and that gives us strength. However, I am convinced Juve will set the tempo of the game.”
Montella hopes to have Stefan Savic available despite the fact he did not train today, but Borja Valero is available as his three-match ban only applies in Serie A.
“I am happy to have Borja back and hope he can be calm enough psychologically to give his best. Andrea Pirlo will also be available for Juve and he is extraordinary. Of course, if I were Antonio Conte I’d let him rest tomorrow….”
Alessandro Matri could well partner Mario Gomez from the start for the first time this season in a bid to break that goal drought.
“It is a possibility, either from the start or during the game. They are compatible, but need to be supported by the team and for various reasons we haven’t been able to do that recently.”
Fiorentina are fourth in Serie A and Juventus the runaway leaders, but Montella denies suggestions the Viola’s League campaign is effectively over.
“We have a lot more to play for. The team knows everything is still in the balance and we’ll use all our energy to go forward in Serie A and not just in that competition. I think so far our season has been positive.
“Are the two teams on a par? If there’s a 20-point gap in the table and they have amassed so many points in recent years, it must mean something.
“However, the strongest team and the most prestigious side doesn’t always win. We respect our opponents, but have the courage to face them with our qualities. It is a very stimulating challenge.”