Europa League: Fiorentina v Tottenham match preview

A look ahead to Thursday’s Europa League round of 32 second-leg fixture in Florence

Mauricio Pochettino complains about the penalty given against Spurs (Getty Images)

In their third of four matches in 11 days, Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side travel to Italy as they look to progress to the last 16 for the third consecutive season.

Last week’s 1-1 draw wasn’t the best outcome for Spurs as they failed to build on an early goal and strong start and take an advantage in to the away fixture.

Pochettino would’ve liked to take a comfortable lead to Italy with the view of possibly resting key names ahead of this weekend’s Capital One Cup final, but he got no such luck as the Italian proved they are no pushovers.

Although Fiorentina won just one of their group games at home, they are in unbeaten in six games in all competitions at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Since the teams met last week, both were involved in draws domestically as Spurs grabbed a late equaliser against West Ham, whilst the Viola drew 1-1 with Torino.

KICK-OFF: Thursday, 6pm

PAST MEETINGS…

Tottenham 1 (Soldado) Fiorentina 1 (Basanta), Europa League, February 2015

STATS…

Spurs have won just one of their six visits to Italy, a 1-0 win over AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League back in 2011.

Tottenham are undefeated in nine of their last ten Europa League outings.

Harry Kane is Spurs’ top scorer in the competition with five goals in six games.

Fiorentina are unbeaten in their last ten matches in all competitions.

ODDS…

Fiorentina to win: 2.1

Tottenham to win: 4

Draw: 3.5

TV: Live on BT Sport 2, 6pm Thursday 26 February