Read a preview and watch a live stream of Fiorentina vs Juventus in the Europa League.
Where: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence.
When: Thursday March 20, 18:00 GMT
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
Despite claiming a 1-1 draw in Turin a week ago, Fiorentina will be all too aware of the threat that bitter rivals Juventus pose as they meet again in Florence.
With the Scudetto seemingly tied up for another year, the Bianconeri need to score at the Franchi in order to progress after Mario Gomez’s late goal gave the Viola the advantage.
These two clubs have built up a fiery rivalry over the years, and Fiorentina midfielder Massimo Ambrosini was keen to stress in a pre-game press interview that his side must appreciate that the tie is still wide open.
“Are we the favourites? No. We would be crazy to think that,” he told violachannel.tv.
“They’re a team that inspire fear in opponents because they have a certain kind of spirit about them.
“These are games you have to face head on, with courage and paying close attention to what your opponent does.”
Giuseppe Rossi is expected to be in attendance for the game but will of course still be missing from the side, but Gomez will be looking to lead the line and inspire his team to victory as he continues to find his form and fitness after a long injury lay-off.
Coach Vincenzo Montella will be aware of the defensive crisis that opposite number Antonio Conte is currently dealing with, as Federico Peluso, Andrea Barzagli and Angelo Ogbonna all look set to miss out leaving Martin Caceres the likely man to partner Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.
Conte has further problems in midfield and up front but nevertheless the Italian champions will be confident in their ability to turn things around, but they can certainly expect a hostile reception in Florence as these two Serie A giants go head-to-head for a place in the next round.
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