Improving Fiorentina face high-flying Sampdoria in one of the most interesting ties in the Last 16 stage of Coppa Italia, where the outcome could depend on how the two managers approach the game.

While Viola have finally begun to close the gap behind European positions, the Blucerchiati are in danger of slipping from Europa League places, so no doubts that Serie A campaign remains the priority for both sides.

Due to serious financial restraints, Fiorentina have been unable to hold on to their star players, and they saw the likes of Bernardeschi, Valero, Ilicic and Vecino all leave in the summer.

The club reinvested some of the money in players like Marco Benassi, Giovanni Simeone and Jordan Veretout, but most newcomers have failed to impress in the opening exchanges.

Fiorentina did show some improvement of late, sharing spoils with SPAL, Lazio and Napoli while hammering Sassuolo at home, and they will be hoping for more of the same against Sampdoria.

The good news is that head coach Stefano Pioli has no fresh injury worries, although Maxi Oliveira is banned for the Coppa Italia game.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Dragowski – Laurini, Astori, Vitor Hugo, Bruno Gaspar – Badelj, Sanchez, Eysseric – Gil Dias, Babacar, Thereau.

Sampdoria have been the surprise package of the new Serie A campaign, and they currently have clubs like Atalanta, AC Milan and Torino trailing in their wake.

The Blucerchiati remained in sixth despite taking just one point from last three league fixtures, but they will obviously attempt to end the poor run of form as soon as possible.

Sampdoria have failed to impress on the road, failing to win any of their last six games outside of Genoa, although they did well to win the local derby against the Rossoblu.

After hammering Pescara in the previous round, the Blucerchiati will attempt to defeat Fiorentina and reach the quarter-finals of Coppa Italia.

Apart from the injured Karol Linetty, there are no other selection worries for Marco Giampaolo, who is widely expected to field a second-string side.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Puggioni – Sala, Silvestre, Regini, Murru – Capezzi, Verre, Praet – Alvarez – Caprari, Kownacki.