Fiorentina had to dig deep to secure their place in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals, overcoming a spirited challenge from NK Celje with a 2-2 draw in the second leg of their quarter-final clash. The Viola advanced with a 4-3 aggregate score, setting up a showdown against Real Betis.
On April 17, 2025, the Stadio Artemio Franchi was the stage for a tense encounter, with Fiorentina looking to build on their 2-1 victory from the first leg in Slovenia. Rolando Mandragora opened the scoring for the home side in the 37th minute, giving the team a vital lead. However, Celje responded valiantly, leveling the match through Aljosa Matko in the 54th minute and then taking the aggregate score to 3-3 with a goal from Klemen Nemanic in the 65th minute.
Just when it seemed that Fiorentina's hopes were fading, Moise Kean came to the rescue, scoring a crucial goal in the 67th minute that ultimately sealed the deal for the Italians. Kean's strike was initially ruled offside, but after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was confirmed, allowing Fiorentina to breathe a sigh of relief.
Despite the draw, coach Raffaele Palladino expressed concern over his team's performance, emphasizing the need for improvement ahead of their semi-final against Real Betis. “There are some positives, but I also see a lot where we need to improve,” Palladino stated in a post-match interview. “We achieved our objective by getting through to the semi-final, but we’ve got to learn from these mistakes.”
Fiorentina's journey to the semi-finals marks their third consecutive appearance at this stage of the Conference League, a feat they last achieved in the European Cup from 1957 to 1962. This time, they will face Real Betis, who advanced after defeating Jagiellonia 3-1 on aggregate. Palladino acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead, saying, “Mentality is fundamental, as against the top teams your concentration needs to be 110 percent.”
The match was not without its controversies, as tensions flared between Palladino and Celje coach Albert Riera. Following the final whistle, the two coaches were involved in a heated exchange, with Riera alleging that Palladino had insulted him during their post-match handshake. “He told me I talk too much, but our squad is worth €13 million while Fiorentina’s is worth €300 million,” Riera complained. “He is younger than me and has a lot to learn; it was not good behavior.”
Responding to the altercation, Palladino remained composed, stating, “There has to be respect between colleagues. He didn’t have that in the first leg and I just told him he ought to.” This incident highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament and the stakes involved for both teams.
Fiorentina's path to the semi-finals was not without its challenges. Injuries and squad depth were significant factors in their campaign, with players like Matias Moreno, Dodo, and Nicolò Zaniolo unavailable for selection. Meanwhile, Celje also faced their share of injury woes, missing key players due to surgery.
Throughout the match, Fiorentina displayed flashes of brilliance, particularly from Rolando Mandragora, who not only scored but also contributed significantly to the team's attacking play. His performance was a testament to his growing importance in the squad, and Palladino praised him, saying, “I love that Moise always has the right attitude, regardless of the goals. He leads his teammates.”
The first half saw Fiorentina controlling possession and creating several chances, but they struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Marin Pongracic came close with a header that went over the bar, and Kean forced a save from Celje's goalkeeper with a powerful strike. However, it was Mandragora who finally broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a defensive error to prod the ball home.
After halftime, Celje came out with renewed energy and quickly equalized, catching Fiorentina off guard. The visitors took advantage of a lapse in concentration from the home side, with Matko finding the back of the net. The momentum shifted, and Celje took the lead in the aggregate score, putting Fiorentina on the back foot.
Fiorentina's response was immediate, with Kean finding the net just minutes later to restore their advantage. His goal was a testament to his skill and determination, as he navigated through the Celje defense to slot the ball home. However, the match was marked by disallowed goals, with both teams having efforts ruled out for offside, adding to the drama of the evening.
As the final whistle blew, Fiorentina's players celebrated their progression to the semi-finals, but the coaching staff knew that improvements were necessary to compete against a strong Real Betis side. Palladino's warning was clear: “We cannot just stop playing and allow our opponents to take the initiative.”
Looking ahead, the semi-final against Real Betis promises to be a thrilling encounter. Betis, having shown their strength in their quarter-final tie, will pose a significant challenge for Fiorentina. With both teams eager to secure a place in the final, fans can expect an exciting matchup filled with intensity and drama.
As the tournament progresses, Fiorentina will need to address their inconsistencies and sharpen their focus if they hope to lift the trophy. With players like Kean in form and a determined coach at the helm, the Viola will be aiming to make history in this year’s UEFA Conference League.
