Fiorentina v Dynamo Kyiv background

• ACF Fiorentina secured a draw at FC Dynamo Kyiv last time out, but their shaky home form means there is plenty of life left in this UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie.

Previous meetings• Having equalised late in the first leg, the Italian outfit have not lost in five meetings with Dynamo (W2 D3).

• • Strikes from Luciano Chiarugi and Mario Maraschi earned Fiorentina a 2-1 victory in Kyiv in the first leg of the teams' 1969/70 European Champion Clubs' Cup second-round tie. The Florence return finished goalless.
  • The teams met again in the 1989/90 UEFA Cup third round, Roberto Baggio scoring the only goal of the tie from the penalty spot in Perugia against Valeriy Lobanovskiy's Dynamo, who played over half that first leg with ten men. The Viola went all the way to the final before losing to Juventus.
  
  Form guide• Fiorentina have won only one of their last four European home games (W1 D2 L1); Dynamo have lost three of their last four European away fixtures.
  
  • Fiorentina are yet to lose in nine games against Ukrainian sides: W5 D4.
  • Dynamo have won just twice in 19 encounters with Italian clubs, with both of those wins coming against AS Roma in the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League. The game in Rome was a 3-0 forfeit success as the match was abandoned after referee Anders Frisk was hit by an object thrown from the crowd. They have thus yet to win a game in Italy over 90 minutes.
  • Dynamo won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1974/75 and 1985/86, and last reached the quarter-finals of this competition in 2010/11.
  • Winners of the inaugural European Cup Winners' Cup in 1961, Fiorentina were losers in the 1956/57 European Cup and 1989/90 UEFA Cup finals.
• • Fiorentina have never lost a quarter-final in this competition. A pair of 1-0 wins gave Bruno Giorgi's side victory against AJ Auxerre in 1990. There were also two goals in it in 2008 as, after a 1-1 first-leg draw at home, Adrian Mutu's double earned a 2-0 success at PSV Eindhoven. They were beaten by Rangers FC on penalties in the semi-finals.
  • This season's UEFA Europa League records:
  Fiorentina – W6 D4 L1 F19 A7
  Dynamo – W7 D1 L3 F23 A12
  Trivia and links
  • Dynamo and Napoli are the top-scoring sides left in the competition, having scored 23 goals in their 11 games: an average of 2.09 per match.
  • Dynamo's Miguel Veloso played in Italy with Genoa CFC from 2010–12, where his team-mates included Fiorentina's Nenad Tomović. Miguel Veloso and Fiorentina's Matías Fernández had previously played together with Sporting Clube de Portugal (2009–10).
  • Dynamo's Jeremain Lens and Fiorentina's Mounir El Hamdaoui – who is not registered to play in the UEFA Europa League – won the 2008/09 Dutch title together during their time at AZ Alkmaar.
  • Fiorentina's only Ukrainian player, Olexandr Yakovenko, is out on loan at ADO Den Haag. The winger previously played alongside Dynamo's Dieumerci Mbokani at RSC Anderlecht from 2011–13.
  • With 39 strikes to date, Fiorentina's Mario Gomez needs one more goal to move above Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and become the fourth higest-scoring German player in UEFA club competition. Gerd Müller (62), Jupp Heynckes (45) and Ulf Kirsten (43) occupy the top slots.
  • Dynamo's Andriy Yarmolenko has laid on six goals in this season's UEFA Europa League – more than any other player in the quarter-finals. He has also scored four. Wolfsburg's Kevin De Bruyne (five goals, five assists) and Club Brugge's Lior Refaelov (six goals, four assists) have also had a hand in ten goals.
  • Dynamo defender Betão could make his 50th UEFA club competition appearance in the Fiorentina game.
• • Dynamo goalkeeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy has made the most UEFA club competition appearances of any of the players left in this season's UEFA Europa League: 134. Only 17 players have played more European games.
  • Dynamo's Łukasz Teodorczyk is one of three Polish players who still have  a chance of playing in this year's UEFA Europa League final in Warsaw, along with Grzegorz Krychowiak (Sevilla FC) and Oskar Zawada (VfL Wolfsburg).
  
  The coaches• Fiorentina boss since June 2012, Vincenzo Montella was known as 'L'Aeroplanino' (the Little Aeroplane) because of his modest stature and trademark goal celebrations during his time as a striker. An Italian international, he won the 2000/01 Serie A title with Roma, and has coached Roma and Calcio Catania since hanging up his boots.
  • Dynamo boss Serhiy Rebrov formed a deadly attacking partnership with Andriy Shevchenko for the Bilo-Syni, though his goals dried up somewhat after moving abroad. Having retired in 2009, Rebrov took a job with Dynamo's youth team, but became head coach in May 2014 after a successful caretaker spell.
  Penalty shoot-outs
  • Fiorentina's record in five UEFA competition penalty shoot-outs is W3 L2 (W2 L1 at home):
  1-3 v Boavista FC (A), 1986/87 UEFA Cup first round
  3-1 v Club Atlético de Madrid (H), 1989/90 UEFA Cup first round
  4-3 v FC Groningen (H), 2007/08 UEFA Cup first round
  4-2 v Everton FC (A), 2007/08 UEFA Cup round of 16
  2-4 v Rangers FC (H), 2007/08 UEFA Cup semi-finals
  • Dynamo's record in one UEFA competition penalty shoot-out is W1 L0 (W1 L0 away):
  3-1 v AC Sparta Praha (A), 1998/99 UEFA Champions League second qualifying round
• nguon: uefa

A 3-0 defeat to Napoli followed the Viola's Coppa Italia defeat to Juventus and the coach has admitted he has some concerns

Vincenzo Montella has admitted he is "worried" about Fiorentina 's form after an "ugly" defeat to Napoli on Sunday.

Rafael Benitez's men ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Dries Mertens, Marek Hamsik and Jose Callejon, adding further misery to the Viola's week after they were eliminated from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Juventus on Tuesday.

Montella's men have won only three of their last eight in all competitions and the coach has has some concerns over the state of his team's mental strength.

"It was ugly. We had no character, no heart - that is worrying," he told reporters. 

"We didn't have any incisiveness or pace to us and we could have conceded more. We had no security in defence and no conviction.

“We wanted to control the game early on, but we didn’t have the right approach. I have not seen a team as superior as Napoli were.

"For the first time I must say that I expected much more from my team. I could not recognise them out there.

“Physically, we are fine, so maybe it is psychological, because the defeat to Juventus has affected us badly."

Gonzalo Higuain looked to have given Napoli a fourth goal as a shot struck the bar and bounced over the line, but the goal was not given and Montella downplayed the incident.

"Nobody saw it clearly because the shot was so fast," he said.

"These things happen and fortunately it didn't decide the result."

Aurelio De Laurentiis and Napoli continued their media blackout despite their victory, with all players and Rafael Benitez refusing to speak to reporters.

The Tuscans were dumped out of the Coppa Italia by Juventus last week before suffering a resounding Serie A loss at Napoli on Sunday

Vincenzo Montella must re-energise his faltering Fiorentina side as they continue their last bid for silverware in Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first-leg tie at Dynamo Kiev.

A run of just one defeat in 19 matches across all competitions left Fiorentina hopeful of a top-three finish in Serie A and subsequent Champions League football, as well as Coppa Italia glory.

However, Fiorentina's season unravelled in the space of five days. First, a 3-0 defeat at home to Juventus last Tuesday saw them squander a 2-1 first-leg advantage to exit the Coppa.

It was the same scoreline in Sunday's league outing at Napoli, a loss that struck a blow to their Champions League ambitions and they now trail third-placed Roma by eight points with just eight matches remaining.

It remains to be seen if there will be any lasting psychological damage from those defeats, but Fiorentina must regroup quickly ahead of Thursday's encounter at the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex - which is subject to a partial stadium ban for the fixture due to racist behaviour of supporters in their last-16 home tie against Everton.

"We came from a 3-0 defeat at home against Juventus and now a 3-0 defeat against Napoli," Fiorentina captain Manuel Pasqual told reporters after the Napoli defeat.

"We want to react. We are an important team and we want to prove it to everyone."

With the promise of Champions League football on offer for the victors of Europe's secondary competition, Fiorentina will be desperate to return to form.

But they face a Dynamo side who are flying and remain top of the Ukrainian Premier League – unbeaten.

They head into the match on the back of a 2-2 draw against Zorya, though, and Rebrov is expecting a difficult encounter.

"We must concentrate on Fiorentina," he said. It will be a completely different game from the one played in the league [against Zorya].

"Fiorentina is a team that plays well in defence and on the counter-attack."

Dynamo are without the injured Yevhen Makarenko and Miguel Veloso, while Jose Maria Basanta is suspended for Fiorentina.

nguon: goa

The German has come in for some heavy flak after two consecutive defeats but the Viola coach says "something has happened in all of our heads"

Vincenzo Montella says that a collective mental fragility is to blame for Fiorentina's sudden dip in form - not star striker Mario Gomez.

Gomez has been heavily criticised for his poor goal return in recent weeks, with the Germany international having failed to net in his last three games in all competitions.

However, Montella believes that Fiorentina have been shown to be mentally weak after losing 3-0 at home to Juventus in the second leg of their Copa Italia semi-final before being beaten by the same scoreline in a crunch Serie A clash with Napoli at the San Paolo on Sunday.

The Viola coach is now desperately hoping that the Tuscan outfit can get the psychological boost they need when they travel to Ukraine to face Dynamo Kiev in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday. 

"It is wrong to focus on a single player [Gomez]," Montella told reporters on Wednesday. "I expect more from everyone, especially from the more senior players.

"The causes are there, we have identified them and we have worked to solve our problems.

"For days in Florence we have talked about nothing else, we will continue to work on these problems.

"Our problems are not physical, something has happened in all of our heads. We understand where we went wrong and the game with Dynamo Kiev comes at the right time.

"We need to show maximum concentration to overcome adversity."

Fiorentina's loss at Napoli has left them eight points adrift of Roma in the third and final Champions League qualification place on offer in Serie A.

As a result, Montella freely admits that the Europa League has now taken on added significance, given the winners will earn a place in next season's Champions League.

"At this point, the Europa League is important to us, and we will play to the end," he added. "But the league is still open in my opinion. Anything could happen."

Vincenzo Montella's side travel to Ukraine for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final and our tipster is expecting a tough night for the Serie A outfit

Both Dynamo Kiev and Fiorentina progressed through to this stage of the competition in style, with the Ukrainian side coming back from a first leg deficit to comprehensively beat Everton 5-2 at home, which gave them a 6-4 win on aggregate. 

Vincenzo Montella’s men recorded a superb 3-0 away victory to defeat fellow Serie A side Roma 4-1 on aggregate, which sets up a first ever meeting between these two teams.
Fiorentina come into this game off the back of two poor matches, losing 3-0 to both Juventus and Napoli. Montella’s side have had a successful season though, and with the Italians losing just once in this season’s competition, they will fancy their chance of reaching the semi-finals. Paddy Power price them at to win tonight but to qualify overall. 

It’s no surprise to see Dynamo Kiev as favourites for the match outright tonight, with Serhiy Rebrov’s men having such a strong record at home this season in the competition. 

Kiev have won all five matches and scored 15 goals in those games. It’s not just Europe where they have made the most of home advantage, with Rebrov’s men unbeaten in the Ukrainian Premier this season in front of their own fans. Paddy Power price them at to win tonight, and for the match to end in a draw. 

With Kiev losing three of their five Europa League away matches this season, expect them to attack Fiorentina and try and win the tie in the first leg by gaining a significant advantage before the return fixture. With their home record outstanding, they will have the confidence of taking a lead to Italy. 
Instead of backing the hosts on the outright market, taking into fact Montella’s side are yet to lose away in Europe, it’s worth looking at the total goals market.

The price that the home side score two or more goals appeals with Paddy Power, with this bet landing in each of their home Europa League games this season. 

With Fiorentina struggling defensively of late, conceding six goals in their last two matches, expect the Ukrainians to make a mark on the scoresheet.
nguon: goal

FIORENTINA NEWS

Mandorlini: ‘Important result for Verona’

Verona Coach Andrea Mandorlini was pleased to get an ‘important’ result in beating Fiorentina tonight.

Montella: ‘Undeserved defeat’

Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella laments the reverse at home to Verona - ‘we didn’t deserve to lose’.

Rafael: ‘I studied penalties’

Verona goalkeeper Rafael reveals he studied Fiorentina penalties, after saving Alessandro Diamanti’s effort.

Verona surprise Viola

Fiorentina crashed to a late defeat at home to Verona, with Alessandro Diamanti missing a penalty.

‘Fiorentina still difficult’

Verona Coach Andrea Mandorlini insists Fiorentina are still a difficult prospect, despite a series of changes.

Kurtic: ‘Every game important’

Fiorentina midfielder Jasmin Kurtic insists ‘every game is important’, despite heavy rotation for the visit of Verona.

Line-ups: Fiorentina-Verona

Alberto Gilardino leads the line for Fiorentina for the visit of Verona, as Vincenzo Montella rotates his squad.

Inler agent: ‘No talks with Fiorentina’

Gokhan Inler’s agent denies that he’s talked to Fiorentina about a transfer for the Napoli midfielder.

Fiorentina name squad for Verona

Vincenzo Montella has named a 24-man squad for tonight’s clash with Verona at Artemio Franchi.

Serie A could overtake Premier League

The exploits of Italian clubs in Europe could see Serie A regain a fourth Champions League spot for 2017/18.

'Lazio, Roma still in Scudetto race'

Max Allegri believes the race isn't over between Juventus and the Roman teams for the Scudetto, whilst praising Italy's performance in Europe.

Rebrov: 'Dynamo disheartened'

Serhiy Rebrov admits Dynamo Kiev were “disheartened” by conceding a late Fiorentina equaliser.

Montella: 'Viola angry in Kiev'

Vincenzo Montella reveals Fiorentina “were angrier than I was” at half-time and knew they couldn’t lose to Dynamo Kiev.

Babacar: 'Fiorentina want Europa'

Khouma Babacar scored a last-gasp equaliser in Kiev and insisted Fiorentina “want to win the Europa League.”

EL: Viola snatch Kiev draw

Khouma Babacar snatched a spectacular equaliser deep into stoppages as Fiorentina drew 1-1 away to Dynamo Kiev.

Guerini: 'Fiorentina are ready'

Fiorentina director Vincenzo Guerini insists they are “ready” to reach the Europa League semi-final despite recent setbacks.

Line-ups: Dynamo Kiev-Fiorentina

Fiorentina hope the Europa League quarter-final can revive their fortunes as they visit impressive Dynamo Kiev.

LIVEBLOG: Europa League QF

Join in our liveblog as Napoli visit Wolfsburg and Fiorentina take on Dynamo Kiev in tonight’s Europa League quarter-finals.

'Aquilani could go to MLS'

Alberto Aquilani could move to MLS at the end of the season, according to the Fiorentina man’s agent.

Rebrov: 'Fiorentina defend well'

Dynamo Kiev Coach Serhiy Rebrov hopes Fiorentina will be “tired” and more likely to concede with three at the back.

nguon: football-italia.

MONTELLA: "ALERT TO THE COUNTER, WE NEED TO BE FOCUSED FROM THE START"

Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella spoke to the press ahead of the visit of Hellas Verona tomorrow night.

How would you describe Hellas Verona?
"They’re a very compact side that defend deep and are very strong on the counter. We’ll need to be alert to that. They are also very strong in the air, with Luca Toni and other players."

How do you need to play to get the win?
"I expect us to grasp the importance of the match and perform accordingly. We need to have good balance tomorrow and show hunger, because without that you don’t win matches in Serie A. We need to not rush things and ensure our quality comes through. There have been lots of goals in the fixture over recent years but I wouldn’t mind a 1-0 win!"

How important is it to have three matches at home in a row at this point of the season?
"It’s a small advantage but we’ve shown we can perform both home and away."

Can you give us an update on Bernardsechi?
"He’s doing well and we decided it was good for him to play with the Primavera and national side. He needs playing time. I’m not sure if he’ll be included with the first team because the matches are critical and I’ve got lots of options to choose from."

Will you rotate the side?
"I don’t know. When you play every three days, you have to mix things up."

How is Tatarusanu?
"He’s in the squad but he’s not at 100% yet. He made a big sacrifice to step up last Thursday as we had no other goalkeepers available."
Luca Toni is having yet another good season in front of goal…
"I’m happy for him. He’s showing that he still has that desire and quality. At this point in his career he needs a team that will allow him to play and play for him. We couldn’t guarantee him that with the arrivals of Gomez and Rossi. Well done to him."
nguon: violachannel

24-MAN SQUAD FOR HELLAS CLASH

Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella has named a 24-man squad for tonight's match with Hellas Verona at the Stadio Artemio Franchi:

Alonso, Aquilani, Babacar, Badelj, Basanta, Diamanti, Fernandez, Gilardino, Gomez, Gonzalo, Ilicic, Joaquin, Kurtic, Lazzari, Neto, Pasqual, Richards, Rosati, Rosi, Salah, Savic, Tatarusanu, Tomovic, Vargas.
nguon: violachannel

A 90th minute strike consigned the Viola to defeat thanks to a goalkeeping error after Alessandro Diamanti missed a penalty

Alessandro Diamanti's missed penalty and a goalkeeping error from Norberto Neto proved costly for Fiorentina as Verona snatched a 1-0 in Serie A on Monday.

Vincenzo Montella's Fiorentina had failed to win their past three matches in all competitions and were looking to keep their slim hopes of a top-three finish alive at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Diamanti had the perfect chance to put them ahead in the second half, but he fluffed his lines from 12 yards.

And Verona made them pay in the 90th minute when Neto made a hash of a routine effort from Lazaros Christodoulopoulos allowing substitute Mounir Obbadi to pounce.

Fiorentina enjoyed the better of the first-half openings and Rafael kept the scores level just before the half-hour mark with a superb save from Alberto Gilardino's near-post flick after the striker got in front of his man to meet Andrea Lazzari's cross from the left.

The flashpoint of the match came in the 67th minute when Rafael was adjudged to have brought down Gilardino, but the goalkeeper redeemed himself by diving low to his left to deny Diamanti from 12 yards.

But while one goalkeeper was hero, the other proved a zero as Neto spilled Christodoulopoulos' effort from the edge of the box and Obaddi was on hand to tap home the winner to move Verona 13 points clear of the drop zone.

nguon: goal