Viola's Polish Pilgrimage: Fiorentina Chase Conference Glory with Kean Back in the Mix
Fiorentina head to Poland with a 2-1 lead over Rakow Czestochowa in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 second leg, boosted by Moise Kean's return but mindful of injuries. Roberto Piccoli is set to lead the line in a predicted 4-2-3-1, with director Alessandro Ferrari urging caution ahead of a potential quarter-final against AEK Larnaca or Crystal Palace. The match holds emotional weight as a tribute to late director Joe Barone.
Viola's Polish Pilgrimage: Fiorentina Chase Conference Glory with Kean Back in the Mix
Picture this: a chilly night in Sosnowiec, Poland, where Fiorentina rock up with a cheeky 2-1 lead from the first leg against Rakow Czestochowa. It's the second leg of the UEFA Conference League Round of 16, kicking off at 17:45 GMT (18:45 CET) at Zaglebiowski Park Sportowy. The lads from Florence are favourites, but as director general Alessandro Ferrari warns, 'We must take nothing for granted' – wise words, mate, after that late Albert Gudmundsson penalty salvaged the win back home.
Team News: Kean Returns, But Who's Starting?
Moise Kean is back from an ankle knock, his first start since early March according to reports from Lorenzo Bettoni at Football Italia. Yet multiple whispers suggest he'll warm the bench initially, with Roberto Piccoli spearheading the attack after a tidy showing in Florence. Cher Ndour bagged one in the first leg and could anchor midfield alongside Rolando Mandragora.
No David de Gea between the sticks tonight – Oliver Christensen gets the nod for a breather. The absentees are piling up: Manor Solomon, Tariq Lamptey, Luca Lezzerini, Niccolò Fortini, plus Marco Brescianini and Daniele Rugani (not in the UEFA squad). On the wings, Jack Harrison is tipped to start right, Jacopo Fazzini left, with Lewis Ferguson? Wait, no – Nicolò Fabbian in the hole.
Probable Fiorentina XI (4-2-3-1): Christensen; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Parisi; Mandragora, Ndour; Harrison, Fabbian, Fazzini; Piccoli.
Rakow (3-4-2-1): Zych; Arsenic, Racovitan, Svarnas; Ametaw, Struski, Repka, Jean Carlos; Makuch, Ivi Lopez; Braut Brunes – the chap who nicked one last week.
Boss's Words and a Touching Tribute
Ferrari, chatting to Sky Sport Italia (as covered by Susy Campanale at Football Italia), emphasised the Conference as a breather from Serie A woes. 'We've changed gear since January, but bad habits lurk – focus on one game at a time.' Fair play, especially with a recent 3-0 thumping of Cremonese boosting morale, Dodo on the scoresheet.
Tonight marks two years since the passing of beloved director Joe Barone, who nearly lifted this trophy twice. Ferrari paid tribute: 'He built Viola Park with tenacity. He's missed across football.' Emotional stuff – expect the lads to channel that fire. Sam Wilson at Football Italia notes it's a special commemoration amid the tie.
Quarter-Final Dream and Where to Watch
Win this, and it's AEK Larnaca or Crystal Palace in the last eight – Palace would be a proper scrap! UK and Ireland punters, tune into TNT Sports 6 or Discovery+. Stateside? Paramount+. Football Italia's live blog has all the action, alongside Roma-Bologna.
Fiorentina's European run has been bumpy, but with Kean itching to unleash (remember his Torino screamer?), Harrison's trickery, and Ndour's legs, they should nick it. Rakow won't roll over after Jonatan Braut Brunes's away goal – expect goals, drama, maybe a pint-spilling moment. Come on you Viola – let's see that progress Ferrari bangs on about!