After three unexpectedly difficult play-offs in recent years, Fiorentina should not have too much trouble securing their place in the Conference League group stage this time around. The Viola have participated in the competition for three consecutive editions, reaching the final twice (both times losing). The 3-0 win achieved a week ago by Stefano Pioli’s men in Slovakia against the Ukrainians of Polissya Zhytomyr – forced to play on neutral ground – essentially ended any discussion regarding qualification.
The differences were evident from the outset, and despite being a man down after Kean was sent off – the Viola striker, provoked by a Polissya player, was sent to the showers early – Fiorentina took few risks and even found the third goal with Gudmundsson.
Pioli gives space to the second string
No luck for Ruslan Rotan’s team: high pressing did not pay off against an opponent with the quality and physical superiority of the Viola, who had no trouble finding the right gaps.
However, the continental commitment seems to have drained the energy of the Viola, who appeared exhausted and uninspired last Sunday in Cagliari on the first day of the championship: the Sardinians were much better, managing to equalize in injury time (1-1) in a match they perhaps deserved to win. There is still a lot of work to be done at Fiorentina: Pioli, meanwhile, in Reggio Emilia—the match will be played at the Mapei Stadium because the Franchi is undergoing renovation—will give playing time to many second-string players in the return match against Polissya: from the first minute, new signings Viti and Fazzini will play, as well as those who are likely to leave Florence by the end of the transfer window, such as Parisi and Richardson. Kean is suspended – two games for the former Juve striker – and the latest arrival, Piccoli, has not yet been included in the UEFA list. This is an opportunity for Dzeko, who is ready to start after remaining on the bench against Cagliari.
Odds comparison
The “Over 2.5” bet is priced at 1.35 on Lottomatica and Snai. The “Home Multigoal 2-3” bet is priced at 1.90 on Lottomatica and Snai.
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The prediction
Despite Pioli’s extensive turnover, Fiorentina should once again prevail over Polissya in a match that, once again, should produce at least three goals in total.
Probable lineups for Fiorentina vs. Polissya Zhytomyr
FIORENTINA (3-5-2): De Gea; Comuzzo, Pablo Marì, Viti; Dodô, Mandragora, Fagioli, Fazzini, Parisi; Richardson, Dzeko.
POLISSYA ZHYTOMYR (4-3-3): Volynets; Kravchenko, Sarapiy, Beskorovanynyi, Krushynskyi; Andryevski, Babenko, Lednev; Gutsulyak, Filippov, Nazarenko.
Will Fiorentina manage to keep a clean sheet?
Yes (64%, 14 Votes)
No (36%, 8 Votes)
Total Voters: 22
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1