Fiorentina vs Lazio preview - League the focus now for duo

Posted Saturday, March 01, 2014 by PA

Fiorentina and Lazio are both determined to take the positives into Sunday's Serie A meeting at the Stadio Artemio Franchi after enjoying mixed fortunes in the Europa League this week.

La Viola set up an all-Italian clash with Juventus in the last 16 by knocking Esbjerg out of the competition 4-2 on aggregate while Lazio suffered a shock early exit as Ludogorets secured a famous 4-3 aggregate win in Sofia.

Edy Reja's Biancocelesti were trailing 1-0 from the first leg and, despite turning the tie around, Juninho Quixad scored a late goal to send the Bulgarians through.

Italy goalkeeper Federico Marchetti appeared shaky on his return to the first team from injury and his failure to deny Hristo Zlatinski in the 78th minute drew criticism from the Italian press.

But Reja has put his faith in the stopper ahead of his side's trip to Florence.

He told La Repubblica Sport: "I'm sorry because Federico was playing well until that point.

"He had that hiccup, and I'm sorry.

"But, before you ask me, he's still our number one keeper. He's an important player for us.

"Scoring three goals here and then leaving the competition leaves us bitter and disappointed.

"We gifted the game to them when we deserved to do better."

If Lazio want to compete in the Europa League next season they will have to catch fifth-placed Inter Milan, who are currently five points better off.

Midfielder Antonio Candreva was naturally disappointed with the events that transpired in Bulgaria but is glad Lazio can now focus fully on domestic affairs.

"Unfortunately we've gone out, even though we went out onto the pitch with a determined approach," he said.

"Now we are left with the league campaign and we want to do well, there are still lots of matches remaining.

"Europe is within our reach and it's up to us to get there. We want to go to Florence and play a great game."

Fiorentina's celebrations were cut short when they realised they would have to face Italian champions Juve in the next round, but head coach Vincenzo Montella is philosophical about the match-up.

The Tuscans are the only side to beat Antonio Conte's men in the league this season - Giuseppe Rossi scored a hat-trick in October's 4-2 victory at the Franchi.

Montella said: "I thought I'd try and give some playing time to those who needed it. I got good answers.

"That is the draw that I wanted to avoid, but I remember that (October) game well. We claimed a great win.

"We'll give them a game but I wanted to avoid that challenge at this moment in time.

"It will be a difficult match, an exciting one - we'll see."