Dynamo Kyiv v Fiorentina: reporters' view

Strengths
Igor Linnyk: Seven points clear of champions FC Shakhtar Donetsk, FC Dynamo Kyiv are having a very good season, reaching the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010/11. Their 40-year-old boss Serhiy Rebrov has stayed true to the Dynamo principles laid down by his one-time coach Valeriy Lobanovskiy, with his side great from set pieces and powerful on the counter.

Paolo Menicucci: With his innovative tactics – often neglecting symmetry in his attacking playing systems – and a possession-based game which has earned ACF Fiorentina the nickname 'Little Barcelona', coach Vincenzo Montella is taking a major role in the Viola success. "Our mentality has matured," he said. "Playing for Fiorentina means representing certain values: generosity, respect for the shirt and entertaining football." Every single squad member seems to have those concepts clear in their minds.

Weaknesses
Igor Linnyk: The defensive part of Dynamo's game still leaves much to be desired. They have yet to keep a clean sheet in the knockout phase, with cheaply conceded goals often a disaster against Italian clubs. They also have problems creating chances against livelier opponents, and there have been signs of nerves too in UEFA Europa League matches – a measure perhaps of the lack of experience in Rebrov's squad.

Paolo Menicucci: Fiorentina have scored 43 goals in 29 Serie A games this term – respectable figures but arguably not enough given the amount of opportunities they carve out. With Giuseppe Rossi injured and Mario Gomez and Khouma Babacar having struggled for fitness, an out-and-out goalscorer is missing. Gomez, however, appears close to his best now and could become crucial in the run-in.

Form
Igor Linnyk: Dynamo have had a tough schedule, yet Rebrov has maintained high standards towards the business end of the season. Their five-goal salvo against Everton FC was a case in point, with a UEFA Europa League-record crowd of 67,553 watching a scintillating attacking display. Interest in Fiorentina's visit is even higher, with long queues for tickets when they went on sale.

Paolo Menicucci: After a difficult opening to the campaign, Fiorentina have been brilliant in 2015. The Viola have not only advanced in Europe but are now fourth in Serie A – six points off third – though they threw away a 2-1 first-leg advantage against Juventus in Tuesday's Italian Cup semi-final, going down 3-0 in Florence.

European pedigree
Igor Linnyk: Last season's Ukrainian Cup triumph brought Dynamo their first trophy since 2009 – when Dynamo last contested the semi-finals of this competition – and represented a fine start for Rebrov, who was previously Oleh Blokhin's assistant. They have not lifted a major European trophy since 1986 when they claimed their second European Cup Winners' Cup.

Paolo Menicucci: Winners of the inaugural Cup Winners' Cup in 1961, Fiorentina have failed to land continental silverware since, having lost the 1956/57 European Cup and 1989/90 UEFA Cup finals. The Viola got to the semi-finals of this competition in 2008, succumbing to Rangers FC on penalties. Runners-up in last term's Coppa Italia final against SSC Napoli, Montella's men were undone in the last four this week by the Serie A leaders.

One to watch/game changer
Igor Linnyk: Once regarded as exclusively left-footed, Andriy Yarmolenko has improved immensely with his right and Dynamo are feeling the benefit. Dynamo's top scorer in the Premier-Liha, the 25-year-old also leads the way in the UEFA Europa League with four goals and six assists.

Mohamed Salah on song for the Viola©Getty Images

Paolo Menicucci: Eyebrows were raised when Mohamed Salah arrived on loan as part of the €33m January deal that took Juan Cuadrado to Chelsea FC. The Egyptian international, however, quickly won over the fans with his pace and technique. "He reminds me of [Lionel] Messi," Argentina centre-back José María Basanta said. "Leo is the best in the world, but Mohamed also knows a thing or two."

Prediction
Igor Linnyk: Dynamo are the most prolific team left in the tournament, so expect first-leg goals in Kyiv. However, the outcome of the tie may hinge on how many Dynamo concede at home rather than how many they score. A huge crowd should give Rebrov's side confidence, but with their supporters behind them, keeping a cool head may be a challenge.

Paolo Menicucci: Dynamo have won all five European home games this campaign by two goals or more, so the trip to Ukraine certainly presents a difficult test for Fiorentina. The Viola, though, are unbeaten in 11 European away matches and instead of sitting back they will try to score potentially vital away goals. If they manage that, they will have a good chance to complete their task in Tuscany.

Possible starting XI
Dynamo: Shovkovskiy; Danilo Silva, Khacheridi, Dragovic, Vida; Rybalka,
Belhanda, Garmash, Yarmolenko, Lens; Mbokani.

Fiorentina: Neto; Richards, Basanta, G Rodríguez, Alonso; Borja Valero, Pizarro, Badelj; Iličić, Salah, Gomez.