Jarolím retains belief in Slavia

Coach Karel Jarolím has been reminding his SK Slavia Praha players of the value of an early goal as they look to overturn a 2-0 deficit at home against ACF Fiorentina.

Slender chance
Slavia's chances of progressing to the UEFA Champions League group stage took a severe knock in the first leg in Italy. The Czech champions failed to even register a shot on target in that game, but Jarolím is not beaten yet. "I am sure it will be different story on Wednesday," he said. "We have not shown our power yet. If we score before half-time we will be back in the contest and our chances to advance will be alive. I have been telling our players that every day."

Bohemians routed
Back on Friday, Slavia demolished FC Bohemians Praha 5-0 thanks to two goals from Tijani Belaid and one apiece for Tomáš Necid, Goce Toleski and Marek Jarolím – the coach's nephew – to give their boss something to celebrate ahead of his 52nd birthday on Saturday. However, victory came at a price, with Macedonian striker Toleski picking up a calf injury which will see Zdeněk Šenkeřík replace him in tonight's starting lineup. Defender Martin Latka is also out with a sprained ankle but midfielder Dušan Švento – who missed the Bohemians win – is available again.

'Good position'
Fiorentina, meanwhile, will hope their concentration holds as they embark upon a frantic few days, which will see them face arch-rivals Juventus in their opening Serie A game three days after the Slavia decider. "We have just started a very exciting week," said Serbian midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanović. "We have to book a place in the Champions League group stage first and then we host Juventus. Playing in the Champions League would be a dream come true for me. We are focused and we want to bring home the result we need. We are in a good position after the first leg and want to make the most of it."

Mutu absent
Cesare Prandelli's men will be without striker Adrian Mutu, who scored at home against Slavia but dislocated his elbow in friendly action with Romania a few days later. Italian Under-21 international Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is likely to take Mutu's place alongside Alberto Gilardino in attack, with Kuzmanović saying of the Argentinian-born 20-year-old: "Osvaldo has played very well in pre-season and I'm sure he can replace Mutu. We are a very united group and we will play to win in Prague as we did in Florence."