Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has warned his players they will need to play the perfect game if they are to beat Udinese in the Coppa Italia semi-finals this evening.
Montella’s side go into the encounter at the Artemio Franchi stadium needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg in Udine if they are to reach the final of the competition.
“We must do the possible and the impossible to advance,” Montella said.
“This game is very important to us and we will need the fans’ support to help us succeed.
“It will be hard to beat an Udinese side that will try to stop us but we will have to play a perfect game to come out triumphant.”
Fiorentina have not won the Coppa since the 2000-01 campaign and go into the second leg on the back of Saturday’s 2-0 triumph over Atalanta.
The outcome in Florence allowed the Viola, who are fourth in the standings, to bounce back from two straight defeats and climb eight points clear of nearest rivals Inter.
Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin knows his side can expect a tough test despite carrying an advantage into the return leg.
However, he is confident his team can limit Fiorentina and reach the club’s first Coppa final since 1922.
“We are going there to play our game and try to continue our great adventure in this competition,” Guidolin said.
“This competition means a lot to us and it would be a dream to reach the final.
“We are aware that we have already made life difficult for Fiorentina this season.”
Udinese beat Fiorentina 1-0 at home in Serie A back in November.
The Friuli side moved nine points clear of the relegation zone after Saturday’s 3-0 triumph over Chievo.
The result was Udinese’s third straight win in all competitions.
The hosts are hoping to have Argentine defender Gonzalo Rodriguez, who is doubtful with a muscular injury, available for selection.
Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero must serve a one-match ban while captain Manuel Pasqual is expected to start having been rested at the weekend.
Alessandro Matri will lead Fiorentina’s attack.
Udinese will be bolstered by the return of defender Danilo from suspension.
Guidolin will have all of his players available with the exception of injured goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic.
The winner will take on either Napoli or Roma in the final on May 3.
Coppa Italia
Semi-finals, second legs
Playing today
Fiorentina vs Udinese (1-2) - 21.00
Tomorrow
Napoli vs Roma (2-3) - 20.45