Pacos Coach: ‘Viola are stronger’

Pacos Ferreira Coach Costinha admits “Fiorentina are certainly stronger than we are, but we’ve worked well for this competition.”

Pacos Ferreira Coach Costinha admits “Fiorentina are certainly stronger than we are, but we’ve worked well for this competition.”

The Portuguese side had been in the Champions League preliminary round, but defeat saw them downgraded to the Europa League where they play at the Stadio Franchi on Thursday at 18.00 UK time (17.00 GMT).

“A very difficult game awaits us, but we have come here to play our game,” said Costinha, who has spent time in Italy playing for Atalanta.

“The match will start at 0-0 and we want to play our cards right to the end. Fiorentina are certainly stronger than we are, but we’ve worked well on how to play this competition. We must let pride prevail over fear of our opponents.

“We can only learn from certain challenges and we will honour the jersey of Pacos de Ferreira.”