Fiorentina vs Torino preview - Torino target Europa League spot
Posted Saturday, May 17, 2014 by PA
Torino goalkeeper Daniele Padelli is confident his team can hold on to sixth spot and clinch the last Europa League qualifying place when they take on Fiorentina in Tuscany on Sunday.
The Granata are one point clear of Parma heading into their final game of the Serie A season.
Should Parma, who host already-relegated Livorno on Sunday, finish level on 56 points with Torino, the Ducale club would qualify instead as they have a better head-to-head record against the Turin outfit.
"We need to be fully focused and get the job done," Padelli said.
"We know destiny is in our hands and we cannot let this opportunity go by. We are going to Florence to win.
"We have enjoyed a fantastic campaign and we need to give a final push in order to make the dream of Europe a reality."
Torino have not played in Europe since 2002 when they competed in the Intertoto Cup.
Toro, coached by Giampiero Ventura, are defending a seven-match unbeaten run but will have to overcome the absence of on-form striker Ciro Immobile.
Immobile, who is the leading scorer in Serie A with 22 goals, was sent off in last weekend's 1-1 draw against Parma and is suspended.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Padelli is confident his side can overcome Immobile's absence.
"We will miss him because his goals have proved crucial for us," Padelli said. "However, those that have replaced him in past games have done a good job.
"To play as a team will be key for us to win in Florence."
Riccardo Meggiorini will replace Immobile and partner Alessio Cerci in Toro's attack.
Fiorentina ensured automatic qualification to the Europa League with last weekend's 1-0 triumph at Livorno.
The victory was the Viola's 19th of the campaign and lifted them four points clear of Inter Milan.
"We have fully deserved to finish fourth," Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella said.
"It has been a complicated season as we lost our top striker Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gomez to serious injuries for part of the season.
"But we have worked very hard and this is a good achievement."
Montella could hand Rossi his first start on Sunday since the striker returned to action after missing four months with a right knee injury.
Rossi was included in Italy's preliminary squad for the World Cup but must prove his fitness if he is to play with the Azzurri in Brazil.
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