Europa League preview and odds: Fiorentina vs Tottenham Hotspur
Published on: 16/02/2016
Europa League preview and odds: Fiorentina vs Tottenham Hotspur
February 18, 2016 19:00pm - Stadio Artemio Franchi
Europa League - Round of 32, First leg
Old rivalries will be resumed as Fiorentina and Tottenham go head-to-head in the Europa League for a second successive season on Thursday evening.
Fiorentina looking for repeat of last year.
Fiorentina met Tottenham at the same stage of this competition last season, and progressed to the last 16 thanks to a 3-1 (1-1, 2-0) aggregate score-line. The Italians will be looking to repeat that feat, but this time they will have to play the home leg first.
The Viola have never lost or conceded a goal in their five previous home matches against English opposition. After beating Spurs last season, the team from Florence went all the way to the semi-finals before they were beaten by eventual winners Sevilla.
Tottenham keen to improve poor record in Italy
Historically, Italy has not been a happy hunting ground in Europe for Tottenham. The Londoners have won just one of their seven European matches on Italian soil, having drawn two and lost the other four. Their solitary victory came against AC Milan at the San Siro in the last 16 of this competition back in 2011.
Mauricio Pochettino`s men finished top of Group J with a 13 point haul after winning four of their six games. Their only defeat in this year`s competition came away to Belgian side Anderlecht.
Team news
Milan Badelj is the only confirmed absentee for the home side.
Meanwhile, Tottenham will be without Nabil Bentaleb, Nacer Chadli. Jan Vertonghen and Ryan Mason.
Recent form (All competitions)
Fiorentina: WDWDW
Tottenham Hotspur: WWWWW
Betting odds and tips
Fiorentina have scored in 23 of their last 25 home games, while Tottenham have scored in all of their last 17 away games.
You can back Both Teams to Score at 4/5 with Bet365.
By Neil Morris
Published on: 16/02/2016
Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (16/02/2016 12:54:38) but are subject to change.
Go To bet365
Bet Credits
