Alonso has faith in Fiorentina revival

Turning round a 3-0 first-leg defeat in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals is a tall order – but Marcos Alonso has little doubt ACF Fiorentina are capable of mounting what would be a remarkable comeback.

Beaten at Sevilla FC last week, Fiorentina must become only the seventh team in the UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League to recover a deficit of three goals or more, yet Alonso remains upbeat. "Considering the first half we played there and how we've done all season, we're capable of doing it," the 24-year-old former Real Madrid CF trainee said.

"Let's hope we get the luck that we lacked there," the left-sided defender went on. "I believe we can do it, I'm 100% convinced – and like the coach has said, if we play like we did in the first leg and have a bit more luck, then we can do it."

Mario Gomez, Matías Fernández and Mohamed Salah all spurned presentable chances for Fiorentina in the Seville first leg, and Alonso is adamant any imperfections in the Viola's game will have to be eradicated as the UEFA Europa League holders come to the Stadio Artemio Franchi. "After losing 3-0, we can't afford to make any mistakes now. We've got to play a perfect game, with faith and optimism."

Alonso is also keen to remind Fiorentina's fans to stick with Vincenzo Montella's men as they seek to transform the tie, the ex-Bolton Wanderers FC full-back concluding: "I'm sure the supporters will help us a lot and we hope we can play a great game together. With all the faith in the world, we go into Thursday's match hoping we can do it."