Basel-Fiorentina is a match valid for the return leg of the Conference League semifinals and is played Thursday at 9 p.m.: TV, probable formations, predictions.
Florentin’s European dream is in danger of being shattered by the incomprehensible second half of Vincenzo Italiano’s men in the first leg. That’s right, because after having deservedly taken the lead in the first half with the most classic of ex-goals, scored by Brazilian Cabral, the Viola inexplicably lowered the pace in the second half, allowing Basel, up to that moment very timid, to regain courage.
Two serious defensive inattentions by Biraghi and his teammates were enough to allow Heiko Vogel’s Swiss to overturn the result thanks to two “photocopied” counterattacks, which proved lethal. It tasted like a mockery when Amdouni’s goal was scored in the midst of the recovery, as Fiorentina was attempting one of the last assaults on Hitz’s goal. The lily team dominated at the possession level but, as has often happened to them this season, paid dearly for their lack of concreteness under goal. And a less qualitative but at the same time organized opponent in the non-possession phase like Basel took advantage of it, leaving the “Franchi” with a very precious victory. In Switzerland they will start from 2-1 for the red and blue, with Fiorentina obliged to win with at least a goal difference to take at least the challenge to extra time. Possible feat? Of course it is. Provided the Viola are not intimidated by a very hot environment and manage to take the initiative right away, finding a way to pierce the Swiss rearguard.
Fiorentina obliged to win to stay afloat
Italian’s team is not as bright as it was a month ago and is perhaps suffering fatigue from too many close engagements. But in the Conference League so far it has always done very well on the road: in the knockout stage it has always won away from Florence, beating Braga, Sivasspor and Lech Poznan by scoring a beauty of 12 goals in total.
Amdouni’s exultation
Numbers that give a lot of confidence ahead of the St. Jakob-Park return. In its own stadium, Basel drew 2-2 with both Slovan Bratislava and Nice, and in front of its audience managed to get the better of only Trabzonspor of Turkey. Vogel’s men like Fiorentina have their sights set on the cup. In the league they have now pulled the reins in the boat, they are only sixth in a league of ten teams, and last Sunday they lost 6-1 to St. Gallen after fielding a lineup full of reserves. The Viola, on the other hand, returned to winning ways: 2-0 to Udinese signed Castrovilli and Bonaventura, three points that allowed the Gigliati to keep their eighth place and give themselves a boost ahead of the semifinals. As for the choices of the two coaches, Vogel must do without only Frei and Comas and will most likely confirm the 3-5-2 of the first leg with Amdouni and Augustin in attack. In Fiorentina, the only change will be the return of Milenkovic in the center of defense.
The prediction
Florentin has no other choice. Attack at full speed and at the same time watch out for Basel’s counterattacks, which could go to the wire this time as well. Superior from a technical point of view, the Viola has what it takes to overturn the result and win at least by one goal, but for those who want to play it safe, better bet on goals. There should be plenty of them, since Italiano’s team with a draw would be eliminated. We expect more than two overall.
The probable lineups of Basel-Fiorentina
- BASELEA (3-5-2): Hitz; Lang, Nuhu, Pelmard; Ndoye, Diouf, Xhaka, Burger, Calafiori; Amdouni, Augustin.
- FIORENTINA (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Dodò, Martinez Quarta, Milenkovic, Biraghi; Amrabat, Mandragora; Ikoné, Bonaventura, Gonzalez; Cabral.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
