Fiorentina vs Rakow – News and Probable Lineups

After navigating a significant challenge in the playoffs, Fiorentina, who have reached the final twice before, are set to advance their latest Conference League journey on Thursday evening as they host Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Franchi.

Having narrowly defeated Jagiellonia Bialystok last month, the Viola now face another Polish team in the first leg of their last-16 clash, with a quarter-final match against either Crystal Palace or AEK Larnaca on the line.

Match overview

With apparent confidence heading into the next round, Fiorentina hosted Ekstraklasa leaders Jagiellonia in Florence after securing a three-goal advantage from the opening leg in Poland.

However, by the 50th minute, Jaga had equalized, and it was only a couple of extra-time goals that saved the Italian team from embarrassment as they ultimately secured a 5-4 aggregate victory.

Having been runners-up in the Conference League two times in the last three years, and being the only club to record 100 goals in UEFA’s third-tier competition, the Viola have faced difficulties in this season’s continental tournament.

Finishing 15th in the league phase saw Fiorentina drop to the playoffs, where they narrowly avoided an embarrassing exit in front of their home crowd.

Paolo Vanoli’s squad has also encountered challenging times domestically and continues to battle for survival in Serie A.

Following a recent 3-0 setback against Udinese and a home draw against Parma on Sunday, they find themselves just one point above the relegation zone, thanks in part to the poor form of 18th-placed Cremonese.

Before returning to their relegation battle with a crucial match against Cremo next Monday, Fiorentina is about to engage in their 12th knockout tie in the Conference League, having progressed from 10 of the previous 11, with the only exception being last year’s semi-final loss to Real Betis.

The Tuscan club also has a strong record in scoring at least two goals in each of their last six European knockout matches at Stadio Franchi, before they take on one of the Conference League’s tightest defenses.

Having conceded only two goals in six matches so far, Rakow Czestochowa boasts an excellent defensive record in this season’s tournament, which helped them progress smoothly into the round of 16.

Remaining unbeaten through the league phase, with four victories and two draws, they finished as runners-up to secure automatic advancement without needing a playoff.

Rakow is experiencing the most successful spell in their history, following back-to-back domestic cup wins in 2021 and 2022 with their first league title the following year.

Finishing as runners-up in Poland’s top division last term, they then successfully navigated three qualifying rounds to reach the Conference League group stage and have maintained that momentum.

In contrast to Fiorentina’s struggles, Lukasz Tomczyk’s side is currently riding high in the Ekstraklasa; Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Pogon Szczecin placed them fourth in the standings, just four points shy of the leaders.

Thus, they are well-prepared for a spring trip to Tuscany, where they will face Italian opponents for only the second time; Rakow previously lost twice to eventual champions Atalanta during the 2023-24 Europa League group stage.

Team News

Vanoli is anticipated to make several changes to his squad, as he usually opts for significant rotation in European matches, especially with a key league game scheduled for next Monday.

Star forward Moise Kean missed the weekend match due to a shin injury, meaning Roberto Piccoli may be asked to lead the attack, while Luca Lezzerini and Manor Solomon are still sidelined.

Fabiano Parisi is eligible to return from a one-match domestic suspension; however, Croácian defender Marin Pongracic will miss this week’s first leg due to suspension.

Rolando Mandragora, who is expected to start in midfield, has made the most appearances (45) and scored the most goals (nine) in the history of Fiorentina’s Conference League participation.

On the other hand, Rakow’s leading scorer in the tournament is Lamine Diaby-Fadiga, who has netted six times in 11 matches, including qualifiers.

The French attacker is likely to support lone striker Jonatan Braut Brunes, who scored his 12th Ekstraklasa goal of the season with his opener on Sunday.

Aston Villa loanee Oliwier Zych is anticipated to start in goal, while ACL injury victim Vladyslav Kocherhin is the only confirmed absentee for the visitors.

Fiorentina probable starting XI:

De Gea; Fortini, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Parisi; Brescianini, Mandragora, Fabbian; Harrison, Piccoli, Fazzini

Rakow Czestochowa probable starting XI:

Zych; Tudor, Racovitan, Svarnas; Ameyaw, Repka, Struski, Carlos; Diaby-Fadiga, Makuch; Brunes

In Serie A, Fiorentina has managed to earn only 14 points from a possible 42 at home this season, making them quite vulnerable defensively.

With an eye on Monday’s crucial relegation battle, the Viola might face another defeat against their Polish opponents, as Rakow has already displayed their abilities, both in the qualifiers and during an impressive run in the league phase.