Fiorentina will go into their UEFA Cup quarter-final against PSV Eindhoven with instructions to repeat the high-tempo performance that helped them get past Everton in the last round.
That was the message from coach Cesare Prandelli who, aware of PSV's technical quality, will urge his players to allow the Dutch team no time on the ball.
"We produced a great home display against Everton and that shows that if we play with such exuberance and movement off the ball we can make life difficult for them. We're in a top physical condition and we can cause them problems with our pressing game."
After beating Everton 2-0 in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Fiorentina suffered their first defeat in the competition when losing by the same scoreline in the return, prior to prevailing on penalties.
Citing the example of that second game, Prandelli added: "There is a difference in terms of the experience and technical quality of the teams. We have to try to play a bit like Everton did in Liverpool. PSV play a kind of total football, so we'll have to be very aggressive."
Fiorentina have won their last four home matches in the UEFA Cup yet they were held 1-1 here by another Eredivisie side, Groningen, in the first round before winning the tie on penalties.
PSV coach Sef Vergoossen admits he would be happy with another draw against opponents whom he describes as a "more complete team" than their last-16 rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
"Nil-nil would be a good result," said the Dutchman. "They are a side who can play in different ways. They are strong in midfield and get forward in support of the attack. They can play football, there's no catenaccio style."
Source: UEFA
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