May 07, 2015 11:58:23 UK
Sevilla boss Unai Emery hopes Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg with Fiorentina will be the first game in another long unbeaten run at home.
The Andalusians saw their 35-match unbeaten streak at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan brought to end on Saturday when a Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick handed Real Madrid a 3-2 victory.
Emery hopes his players will not dwell on that defeat as they gear up to face Fiorentina at home.
The Italians head to the south coast of Spain in good form away from home in Europe, going through their last 12 matches without tasting defeat.
The Viola saw off Dynamo Kiev in the quarter-finals, emerging from the first leg in the Ukraine with a 1-1 draw.
Fiorentina have also held Roma and Tottenham away from Florence during their run to the Europa League semi-finals and are 5.25 to pick up a victory in Seville, with the home side 1.72 and the draw 3.90.
Emery’s side have failed to beat Italian opposition in their four previous meetings at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan but the former Valencia coach remains optimistic.
The Spanish coach says he is proud of the run his men have been on at home and is looking for them to get back on track against Fiorentina, despite admitting it will be a tough game.
“We are saddened to have lost at home,” Emery said. “But I’m proud of the work done by my players.
“The defensive unit will have to remain strong against the qualities of Fiorentina.
“I appreciate the quality of the Fiorentina players, the club has made a significant financial effort to get them to the club.”
Meanwhile, Emery has rubbished reports he could make the move to Italy this summer after being linked with the AC Milan manager’s job, insisting he is happy to remain with Sevilla.
Sevilla are 1.72 to retain the Europa League this season, while Fiorentina are 51.00 and Napoli 3.00.
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