Basel vs Fiorentina - Nenad Tomovic knows importance of Basle game

Posted Thursday, November 26, 2015 by PA

Fiorentina defender Nenad Tomovic knows the importance of Thursday night's clash against Europa League Group I leaders Basle, describing it as "the most important match of the season so far".

Victory for the Viola would see them move level on points with the Swiss at the top of the table and could even seal their progress to the next stage - if the other game in the group between Belenenses and Lech Poznan ends in a draw.

However, a defeat at the St Jakob-Park could see Fiorentina drop down to third place should the match in Portugal produce a winner. That could mean the Italians go into the final round of fixtures, at home to Belenenses, with their destiny out of their own hands.

"It is a crucial game for us and for our journey in the Europa League this season," Tomovic told Sky Sport Italia 24.

"We are fully aware of how big this game is and we will do everything we can to win it, so we can have a calmer final group stage match day.

"It will be very crucial for us to get a victory. It's the most important match of the season so far and it's the hardest on paper.

"However, we're aware of this and we remain focused and ready. I'm sure that we can bring home a good result."

Basle beat Fiorentia 2-1 in the reverse fixture at the Artemio Franchi in September and another victory would seal the Swiss side's qualification as group winners.

A shoulder injury will probably see Philip Degan miss the match but Basle coach Urs Fischer could have former Inter defender Walter Samuel fit again after a muscle tear.

Marko Bakic and Jakub Blaszczykowski are injury concerns for Fiorentina.