Moyes Wary As He Plots to Extend Everton Renaissance in Florence

Liverpool's Super Lamb Banana is yet to acquire the universal appeal of Michelangelo's David but the European capital of culture will have something in common with the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance tonight: a team who have recovered from financial turmoil, defied expectation and are making an unexpected charge for Champions League qualification. Everton will hope English football's recent dominance of Italian opposition ultimately distinguishes them from Fiorentina.

David Moyes witnessed a carbon copy of his Everton side on a scouting visit here last week and the respective league tables confirm these Uefa Cup hopefuls have a genuine prospect of meeting in the Champions League next season. From the style of play to the economic problems both clubs have overcome in recent years (Everton's admittedly minor compared to La Viola's meltdown and relegation from Serie A), the Scot admits there is little between the last-16 opponents.

"I'm really excited by the challenge and am confident in the way we are playing," Everton's manager said. "One thing I am wary of is how well Fiorentina have been playing. Like us they are also an up-and-coming side. They play with a decent tempo that is demanded by their coach.

"I was here to see their game against Livorno last week and watched their win over Juventus at the weekend, which was very impressive. They are very similar to us in many ways, a good, hard-working side who by all accounts should have qualified for the Champions League last season and are going very close this season."

Fiorentina are without their injured leading goalscorer, Adrian Mutu. Everton will give a late test to Mikel Arteta after his treatment on a groin problem and are without Manuel Fernandes and Nuno Valente. Confidence is not lacking in Moyes' squad, however, and after Liverpool's victory at home to Internazionale in the Champions League and Arsenal's eye-catching win in Milan, the manager is hoping to continue the fashion. "It would be nice," he said, "but you can never underestimate an Italian team. We will have to play it cleverly against Fiorentina."

Fiorentina (4-3-3, possible): Frey; Ujfalusi, Gamberini, Kroldrup, Pasqual; Kuzmanovic, Donadel, Montolivo; Santana, Pazzini, Osvaldo. Subs Lupatelli, Dainelli, Semioli, Liverani, Massimo, Vieri, Cacia.

Everton (4-4-1-1, possible): Howard; Hibbert, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott; Osman, Neville, Carsley, Pienaar; Cahill; Yakubu. Subs Wessels, Arteta, Johnson, Baines, Anichebe, Vaughan, Rodwell.

Referee P Allaerts (Belgium).

TV: ITV4, kick-off 7.45pm