Two clubs chasing UEFA Europa League glory will do battle today in a cup match between Fiorentina and Juventus. The Round of 16 clash scheduled for 2 p.m. ET will be held at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence and can be live streamed here.
These two Italian rivals enter the second leg of their confrontation after finishing in a stalemate last week. The 1-1 draw in Turin created the ultimate winner-take-all situation a less-heralded competition needs. As great as the two clubs are, however, Fiorentina boss Artemio Franchi isn't ready to crown either club as the eventual champions with advancement (h/t Mark Doyle from Goal). "I don't agree that this is effectively the final," Franchi told reporters on Wednesday. "We're only at the last 16. There are great motivations for a game of this importance at this level, against a great opponent. But it's a game of football. We need to go into it maintaining a sense of calm because Fiorentina are at their best when they play with serenity," he added.
"I'm expecting my team to put their own characteristics on the field and to play with joy. But there must be the necessary fear for a game like this."
Will Fiorentina be joyful after advancing to the quarterfinals, or will Juventus move on? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Juventus' Fernando Llorente has been stellar since joining the club in the summer transfer window. The Spaniard has 13 goals and four assists across all competitions.
Fiorentina's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Neto; Pasquai, Rodriguez, Savic, Roncaglia; Aqullani, Valero, Pizarro; Illcic, Gomez, Cuadrado
Juventus' Projected Lineup (3-5-2): Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Asamoah, Pogba, Pirlo, Vidal, Isla; Llorente, Osvaldo
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