Fiorentina travels to Poland with a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg of their UEFA Conference League Round of 16 clash against reigning Polish champions Rakow Czestochowa. The Italian side is looking to seal their progression to the quarter-finals, with key players like Moise Kean and Jack Harrison set to start.
The decisive second leg is scheduled to kick off at the Zaglebiowski Park Sportowy in Sosnowiec at 17:45 GMT (18:45 CET).
The Viola had to come from behind in the first leg, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory thanks to a late penalty from Albert Gudmundsson. This narrow advantage sets the stage for a tense encounter in Poland. Fiorentina’s morale is also high after a convincing 4-1 Serie A win over Cremonese, which helped them climb away from the relegation zone.
Moise Kean is back in Fiorentina’s starting lineup. However, the team is contending with several injuries, sidelining Niccolò Fortini, Manor Solomon, Luca Lezzerini, and Tariq Lamptey. Robin Gosens is being rested after picking up a rib knock, while Harrison and Jacopo Fazzini will complete the attacking trio. Marin Pongracic, who missed the first leg due to suspension, returns but will start on the bench.
This match holds significant emotional resonance for Fiorentina, marking two years since the unfortunate passing of their director, Joe Barone, due to a heart attack.
For Rakow, advancing past Fiorentina would be a historic milestone, as the club has never before reached a UEFA quarter-final. They have demonstrated strong performances in the Conference League, finishing second in their group, and clinched the Polish title in 2023.
Jonatan Braut Brunes, cousin of Erling Braut Haaland, was given a rest during the weekend to ensure he’s fresh to lead Rakow’s attack in this crucial fixture. He previously scored at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in the first leg. Lamine Diaby-Fadiga remains Rakow’s leading scorer in the Conference League this season, with an impressive six goals in 12 matches.
Rakow vs. Fiorentina Official Line-ups
Rakow Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Zych
- Defenders: Tudor, Racovitan, Svarnas
- Midfielders: Ameyaw, Repka, Struski, Jean Carlos
- Forwards: Makuch, Brunes, Ivi Lopez
Rakow Bench:
Trelowski, Czeremski, Mosor, Bulat, Amorim, Leonardo Rocha, Napieraj, Arsenic, Ilenic, Mircetic, Diaby-Fadiga
Fiorentina Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Christensen
- Defenders: Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Parisi
- Midfielders: Ndour, Fagioli, Fabbian
- Forwards: Harrison, Kean, Fazzini
Fiorentina Bench:
De Gea, Leonardelli, Pongracic, Mandragora, Gudmundsson, Gosens, Kospo, Kouadio, Braschi, Balbo, Bonanno, Piccoli
Referee: Munuera (ESP)
