Empoli vs Fiorentina preview - All is not lost for Montella

Fiorentina travel to Empoli for Sunday's Tuscan duel looking for answers after their Europa League setback at Sevilla on Thursday night.

The Viola slipped to a 3-0 defeat in Spain in the first leg of their semi-final tie and will need to score at least three goals in Florence next week to reach the final.

"It's a shame as my team really didn't deserve to lose by this margin," Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella said to the Italian press. "We created four clear-cut opportunities, while Sevilla scored at the first attempt.

"After the break and with the second goal, our heads dropped.

"We know it will be difficult but we firmly believe we can overturn the tie.

"If Sevilla managed to score three goals on the night, so can we."

In the meantime, the Viola will turn their attention to Serie A.

Fiorentina halted a four-match losing streak with Sunday's 3-1 triumph over Cesena.

The outcome kept the Florence outfit in fifth place, a position that would guarantee them Europa League football next season.

The pressure is off Empoli ahead of the encounter at the Carlo Castellini stadium.

Wednesday's 1-0 victory at Torino was Empoli's first success on the road since November 23 and ensured the Tuscan minnows will compete in Serie A next season.

Empoli are in the midst of a four-match unbeaten run and are 13th in the standings, 14 points above Cagliari, who are in the drop zone.

"We are very happy because since we gained promotion in July 2014, nobody thought we could stay in Serie A," Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri said. "This proves modern football has a place for a reality like Empoli."

Empoli, who held Fiorentina to a 1-1 draw in Florence earlier this season, are without defender Mario Rui as he serves a one-match ban.