Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino believes tonight’s opponents Fiorentina possess a similar style to his side and has admitted that there has been a change in culture in Italy in recent years.
The White Hart Lane outfit host La Viola at home for the second leg of their Europa League round of 32 clash later tonight and will be hoping to progress to the next round at the expense of the Florence outfit.
Pochettino’s side have the distinct advantage of an away goal against Fiorentina, following last week’s 1-1 draw against Paulo Sousa’s side at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
The two sides locked horns in last season’s Europa League round of 32, but the Florence outfit were able to ensure progression after winning the clash 3-1 over two legs.
Pochettino has guided the Lilywhites to second in the Premier League and the White Hart Lane outfit are among the favourites to win the title this season.
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The 43-year-old believes La Viola adopt a similar philosophy to his side and feels that teams in Italy have started to change their style of play.
Pochettino also expects a tough encounter against the Florence outfit and feels that Sousa’s side try to start developing the game from the back.
Speaking in an interview with Spurs TV, Pochettino said: “Yes, they try to play in a similar philosophy than us [start playing from the back], but today in Italy the teams have started to change. The culture today is not like it was many years ago and they try to play.
“I think the new generation of manager, but I think that for them, the game will be tough and it’s important to compete.
“Yes, they try to play and they try to set a good philosophy of football, that maybe we share.”
The Lilywhites will be keen to avenge last year’s ouster from the competition at the same stage against the same opposition.
