SM
Dortmund vs. PSG: 13 hrs 41 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
FL
Europa League | Semi-Finals
May 14, 2015 at 8.05pm UK
 
SL

0-2

 
FT(HT: 0-2)
Bacca (22'), Carrico (27')

Preview: Fiorentina vs. Sevilla

:Headline: Preview: Fiorentina vs. Sevilla: ID:222450: from db_amp
Sports Mole looks ahead to the Europa League semi-final meeting in Florence between Fiorentina and holders Sevilla.

Fiorentina have it all to do if they are to reach the final of this season's Europa League.

The Italians trail 3-0 from their semi-final first-leg encounter with Sevilla, meaning that only a comeback of epic proportions will stop the holders from being able to defend their title in Warsaw later this month.


Fiorentina

Only one team - Valencia - have ever retrieved a three-goal deficit in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Los Che lost to Basel 3-0 in the first leg in Switzerland during the 2013-14 campaign, only to win through 5-0 back in the more familiar surroundings of the Mestalla.

Of course, Fiorentina head coach Vincenzo Montella would probably accept a penalty shootout if you offered it to him right now, with three unanswered goals being required to take it to that stage.

That is the exact scoreline that Fiorentina claimed from their trip to Serie A counterparts Roma earlier in the competition.

As you'd expect, in the days leading up to this tie, Montella has been saying all the right things as he tries to keep his squad positive, insisting that the tie is not over yet.

In European contests at the Stadio Artemio Franchi this season, La Viola have won on three occasions, drawn twice and been defeated once.

However, perhaps they can take some solace from the fact that they have managed to come out on top from four of their six two-legged European semi-finals.

Recent form: WDWDWL
Recent form (all competitions): WLLWLW


Sevilla

Of course, Sevilla head coach Unai Emery has done his best to insist that his side are not yet in the final, but he must believe that the job is almost done.

In the first leg, Emery's charges, spearheaded by right-back Aleix Vidal, were in rampant mood and could have scored even more goals before the final whistle.

Not only do they make the trip to Florence with a healthy advantage in tow, they also boast a record of having never lost a European semi-final.

However, last season's final-four meeting with Valencia should cause some caution within the Sevilla ranks. Leading 2-0, they trailed 3-0 in the return clash, but advanced through thanks to a late goal from Stephane Mbia.

If they can safely negotiate their way through to the final, it will give Sevilla the perfect opportunity to win the trophy for a record fourth time.

Recent form: WWWWDW
Recent form (all competitions): DWWLWD


Team News

Injuries have hampered much of Micah Richards's career and that trend will continue in this clash, with a thigh complaint ruling out the former England international, who is on loan at Fiorentina from Manchester City.

Montella will also be without former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi (knee) and Peruvian midfielder Juan Manuel Vargas (thigh).

However, Josip Ilicic started the match in Sevilla on the bench, but he could return to the starting lineup for this game.

As for the home side, a shoulder injury will keep goalkeeper Beto sidelined, while Argentine defender Nicolas Pareja will play no part because of a knee problem.

Fiorentina possible starting lineup:
Neto; Tomovic, Savic, Rodriguez, Alonso; Fernandez, Valero, Jaoquin, Ilicic; Gomez, Salah

Sevilla possible starting lineup:
Rico; Vidal, Carrico, Kolodziejczak, Tremoulinas; Krychowiak, Mbia, Reyes, Banega, Vitolo; Bacca


Head To Head

Last week was the first official encounter between these two sides.

From their only two trips to Italian shores, Sevilla were beaten on both occasions at the hands of Parma in 2005 and then Sampdoria three years later.

Meanwhile, when playing host to Spanish opposition, Fiorentina have won twice, drawn once and lost once.


We say: Fiorentina 1-1 Sevilla

Despite the big lead, Emery is likely to still pick a strong side, which should be reflected in Sevilla's performance. Providing that they prevent the home side from scoring an early goal which gets their tails up, it should be a relatively comfortable passage through to the final for the Spaniards.



amp_article__222450 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2015-05-12 16:38:55:
html db last update - 2021-03-09 20:32:40 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Read more!
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2Barcelona33227468392973
3GironaGirona33225669402971
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla33911134246-438
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .