crystal Palace They face Fiorentina in the Conference League quarterfinals on Thursday. The game at Selhurst Park could prove huge for the Italian side, who are in a relegation battle from Serie A.
Things have improved over the past few weeks for La Viola, who are unbeaten in four league games. The European competition will be a different challenge, as they have had to struggle against the likes of Rakow, Jagiellonia and even Lussen.
The Polish team took them to extra time last month, even though the Florence club won 3–0 in the first leg. In short, this has been the story of Fiorentina's rollercoaster campaign.
Their strange record in the Conference League will not be the only problem against Crystal Palace, as Paolo Vanoli's side struggle with a number of fitness concerns.
Many uncertainties for Fiorentina
gazzetta dello sport Today praised Nicolo Fagioli, who played a key role in the second leg against Rakao. He also scored against Hellas Verona at the weekend and should feature against the Eagles.
A key player returning for Fiorentina is Dodo, who was missing against Verona. He has already returned to training should he travel to London to play against Crystal Palace.
This is the only positive, as Rolando Mandragora is likely to be out. Manor Solomon, Nicolo Fortini and fullback Fabiano Parisi should also remain out. Notably, the Israeli winger has not played since the beginning of March due to a thigh problem.
That's why Fiorentina will rely heavily on Fagioli, who could also have been called up to the Italian national team a few weeks ago. After a disappointing first few months he has turned a corner and is La Viola's most important player at the moment.
Our opinion: Fiorentina can't surprise
For now, Vanoli's team has one major goal for the season and that is to avoid relegation. A club as big as Fiorentina cannot reach Serie B and the campaign has been a nightmare.
This has affected their performances in the Conference League and it is evident in every game.
Therefore, Crystal Palace may not face major problems on Thursday. Even though Fagioli and Moise Kean will be involved, things sometimes go wrong for the Florence club when they play an extra game in a week. They will also play the second leg next week, which will increase the pressure on them.
Oliver Glasner's side have not played a game since March 19 and that could tip things in their favour.
