Federico still confident after Fiorentina draw

Federico Fazio rued missed opportunities against Fiorentina on Thursday night, but he’s convinced we’ll get our rewards in front of goal next week.

We created a host of chances in the first period after Roberto Soldado opened the scoring with a neat volley, but were unable to increase our lead in the first leg of our Europa League Round of 32 tie at White Hart Lane.

The Italian side got back on level terms nine minutes before the interval through Jose Maria Basanta’s close-range effort and, with the intensity of the game subsiding after the break, we reconvene in Florence next week for the second leg with the tie finely balanced at 1-1 – albeit with La Viola holding a potentially decisive away goal.

“We played well in the first half and created lots of chances but unfortunately we only scored one,” said Federico, who returned to the side to partner Jan Vertonghen at centre-half.

“If we’d finished the chances we created we would have clinched the game, but this is only the first of two legs and it’s not finished.

“We’re a very good team away from home so we need to try to win the second leg. I have 100 per cent confidence that we’ll do the job in Florence.”

The defender also reserved praise for Roberto for his contributions upon his return to the starting line-up.

The Spanish striker completed 90 minutes and went close with a header and an audacious bicycle kick after his early opener, with Federico impressed by his team-mate’s performance.

“Roberto’s was a very good goal,” the 27-year-old added. “He played very well and helped us create lots of chances.

“His performance was very important for him and for the team.”