Jose Basanta struck a 36th-minute equaliser as Fiorentina held Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 half-time draw in the first leg of their last-32 Europa League clash at White Hart Lane.

Spurs had the luxury of a nine-day break leading up to this one, and the hosts looked full of energy early on as they edged ahead inside seven minutes.

Having saved from Nacer Chadli moments earlier, goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu was given no chance from the resulting corner when Roberto Soldado volleyed home Paulinho's delivery.

The Lilywhites continued to dominate, as Christian Eriksen drilled narrowly over, while an ebullient Soldado saw his audacious overhead saved by Tatarusanu.

Vincenzo Montella's side restored parity on 36 minutes, however, when Basanta was on hand to tap home from close range after Hugo Lloris failed to deal with a free kick.