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Prandelli calls for patient approach

Cesare Prandelli has warned his ACF Fiorentina team not to "rush to score a goal" in Tuesday's first knockout round decider with FC Bayern München, despite their 2-1 first-leg loss in Germany.

Prandelli calls for patient approach
Prandelli calls for patient approach ©UEFA.com

Losing 2-1 in Germany last time out has left ACF Fiorentina needing a memorable victory against FC Bayern München to reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Viola coach Cesare Prandelli has nonetheless warned his players not to throw caution to the wind in Tuesday's decider, particularly with opposite number Louis van Gaal promising "a great spectacle".

Cesare Prandelli, Fiorentina coach
We ought to enjoy what we've done so far and try to give our best in a match which could make history for this club. We have a great chance, so we shouldn't think too much about our current physical and mental condition. We feel positive because we played well against Juventus on Saturday, and we proved we could create problems for Bayern in the first leg.

We know we're facing one of the strongest teams in Europe, and have to read the game well. We must take to the pitch knowing we're not in a rush to score a goal, because Bayern are very strong and we can't give them space. We've kept conceding goals in recent games and it's time to stop. Our approach to Champions League games has been perfect so far. We must continue like that without losing the awareness of the great things we've done. Enthusiasm will be a key aspect to playing a great game.

Louis van Gaal, Bayern coach
It's difficult to say why Fiorentina have been less strong in their championship than in the Champions League, but Fiorentina have always looked very strong in Europe and I think they will also play very well tomorrow. I hope to do well in this game even though I know it won't be easy. If the match goes badly then I'll remain calm, because losing is part of the game.

I've noticed that clubs generally change their formation against Bayern. We usually stick with the same players, but I think Fiorentina will opt for their best formation possible. I think it's going to be a beautiful match. We score a goal in almost every game, so I'm sure it will be an entertaining match and provide the fans with a great spectacle.

Team news
Fiorentina
Out:
Alessandro Gamberini (shoulder)
Doubtful: none
Suspended:
Massimo Gobbi, Adrian Mutu
Misses next match if booked:
Marco Donadel, Alberto Gilardino

• Gamberini is set to be out until early May after undergoing surgery on Tuesday.

• Central defender Felipe is likely to deputise for the suspended Gobbi at left-back.

• Mario Santana has recovered from a calf problem and been named in the squad.

Bayern
Out:
Martín Demichelis(cheekbone, upper jaw),Diego Contento (cut right knee)
Doubtful: Franck Ribéry (unknown)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked:
Danijel Pranjić, Bastian Schweinsteiger

• Demichelis has been ruled out for up to a month after suffering a double facial fracture in Argentina's 1-0 friendly win in Germany last Wednesday, although defensive partner Daniel Van Buyten has recovered quicker than expected from a thigh tear.

• Contento picked up his injury on Saturday and did not travel, but Arjen Robben is available having missed the trip to 1. FC Köln through illness.

• Ribéry, only used as a substitute at the weekend, could also be out. "He has a slight problem," said Van Gaal. "I think he can play, but we'll see."

Weekend results
06/03/2010 Fiorentina 1-2 Juventus
(Marchionni 32; Diego 2, Grosso 68)

• Former Juve player Cristiano Zanetti, recently recovered from a knee injury, made his first Viola start in more than three months, partnering Riccardo Montolivo in a holding midfield role as part of a 4-2-3-1 formation.

• The game was tenth-placed Fiorentina's sixth home Serie A loss this season, double their previous highest total under Prandelli.

06/03/2010 1. FC Köln 1-1 Bayern
(Podolski 31; Schweinsteiger 58)

• The Bundesliga leaders extended their unbeaten run to 18 games thanks to Bastian Schweinsteiger's first effort in 31 matches for club and country, Bayern old boy Lukas Podolski having opened the scoring.

• At 17 years and 255 days, David Alaba became Bayern's youngest Bundesliga player ever when he came on for his debut 17 minutes from time. He has already won three senior caps for Austria.

• On 28 February, Bayern's 1-0 win at Hamburger SV meant they ended a Bundesliga weekend on top for the first time since the end of the 2007/08 season – a total of 652 days.

Background
• Bayern would be happy with a repeat of their 1-1 draw in Florence in last season's group stage or indeed the 4-1 win they achieved at Juventus in December to progress to this round.

Did you know?
• Bayern have won seven and drawn three of their last 13 UEFA Champions League away trips.

Read more on the match in the official UEFA Champions League press kit.

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