The stakes couldn't be higher for Fiorentina as they prepare to face Real Betis in the return leg of the UEFA Conference League semifinals tonight at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. With kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CEST, the match marks a critical juncture in the Viola's quest for a third consecutive final appearance in the competition.
Fiorentina enters the match needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, where they were bested by Betis in Seville. Goals from Ezzalzouli and Antony put the Spanish side ahead, while Fiorentina's captain Luca Ranieri provided a glimmer of hope with a late strike. Now, the pressure is on Raffaele Palladino's squad to deliver a performance worthy of their storied club history.
“We have fire inside us, but we must pay attention to the details,” Palladino stated ahead of the match. The coach, who recently secured a contract renewal, is looking to lead his team to a final that would continue their remarkable run in European competition.
Fiorentina has been formidable at home in the Conference League this season, boasting an unbeaten record with eight wins and three draws. Notably, five of those victories came by a margin of two goals or more, showcasing their attacking prowess at the Franchi. The team hopes to capitalize on this home advantage to secure the necessary win.
In terms of lineup, the return of Moise Kean is a significant boost for the Viola. Kean, who played only a brief role in the first leg, is expected to start alongside Gudmundsson in a 3-5-2 formation. The rest of the squad will feature De Gea in goal, with Pongracic, Comuzzo, and Ranieri anchoring the defense. The midfield will see Mandragora, Fagioli, and Adli, while Dodò and Gosens will patrol the flanks.
On the opposite side, Real Betis, led by coach Manuel Pellegrini, is in excellent form, having won their last four matches across all competitions. They will look to their star forward, Cedric Bakambu, who has been a standout in the Conference League with seven goals this season. Betis will likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Antony, Isco, and Ezzalzouli supporting Bakambu up front.
The winner of tonight's match will face either Chelsea or Djurgarden in the final, scheduled for May 28 at the Wroclaw Stadium in Poland. Chelsea has already established a strong position in their semifinal tie, winning the first leg 4-1.
As the match approaches, excitement is building among the Fiorentina faithful, who are eager to see their team fight for a place in the final. With the stakes so high, the atmosphere at the Franchi is expected to be electric, as fans rally behind their team in hopes of a dramatic comeback.
Tonight’s match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport 252, with streaming options available on NOW and Sky Go. The pre-match coverage begins at 20:00, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Fiorentina’s journey in the Conference League has been marked by resilience and determination, and they will need every ounce of that spirit against a dangerous Betis side. With their backs against the wall, the Viola are determined to make history and secure their place in the final for a chance at glory.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, one thing is clear: this match is not just another game; it’s a defining moment for Fiorentina. Will they rise to the occasion and claim victory, or will Betis spoil their hopes? The answer lies just 90 minutes away.
