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Florence officials impose city-wide alcohol ban for Thursday

A strong police presence and 24-hour alcohol ban welcomes Tottenham fans ahead of the Europa League tie against Fiorentina.

The last-32 tie is evenly poised at 1-1 ahead of a return leg for which the authorities in Florence are taking no chances after trouble flared up in the Italian capital.

Issues arose ahead of last week's Europa League clash between Roma and Feyenoord, with 23 Dutch fans arrested as buildings were damaged and bottles thrown.

Perhaps influenced by that, Florentine officials have imposed a city-wide alcohol ban from midnight on Wednesday.

Around 1,300 police officers are being deployed around the city centre and Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday, although Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino does not foresee any problems.

"Our fans are very respectful," Pochettino said. "In the few games before we've played before in the Europa League -- in Cyprus, Serbia, Greece and Turkey -- the behaviour of our supporters was great, was fantastic.

"There were no problems and I think tomorrow is another day to enjoy the game. Our supporters have much respect.

"I think it's maybe better to be careful, but our supporters, always in the past, the behaviour was fantastic. We need to expect the same tomorrow."