Rakow vs Fiorentina – News and Probable Lineups

After losing by a goal in the first leg last week, Rakow Czestochowa is set to host Fiorentina at Polônia on Thursday to determine the outcome of their Conference League matchup.

Contesting a spot in the quarter-finals – where they will meet either Crystal Palace or AEK Larnaca – the last-16 tie commenced with a home victory for the Viola.

Match overview

Fiorentina faced difficulties during the league phase and survived a scare in the playoffs, narrowly defeating Jagiellonia Bialystok after extra time. They welcomed another Polish team for the first leg of their last-16 fixture.

The Italian team fell behind on the hour mark, but Cher Ndour quickly found an equalizer, followed by Roberto Piccoli hitting the crossbar before Albert Gudmundsson kept his composure to score a late winner.

The stoppage-time penalty from the latter ensured a comeback for the Viola, granting them a valuable advantage to protect in this week’s return leg in southern Polônia.

Fiorentina will feature in their 50th Conference League match – a record for any club since the tournament began – as they look to build momentum following their two-time runner-up status.

Although Paolo Vanoli’s squad has struggled domestically and must still contend with Serie A relegation threats, a victory over fellow strugglers Cremonese on Monday gave them a four-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Highlighted by a brilliant solo goal from Dodo on his 150th appearance – almost three years after his last goal – their 4-1 win was capped off by Gudmundsson finding the top corner from a fluid team move.

With some breathing room now established, the Tuscan side can complete their 12th knockout tie in the Conference League.

Having progressed from 10 of their last 11 ties – the only exception being last year’s semi-final loss to Real Betis – Fiorentina appears to have history on their side.

Although Jonatan Braut Brunes scored first last week, Rakow will likely lament conceding almost immediately afterward, compounded by Michael Ameyaw’s handball which awarded Fiorentina a late penalty.

Having previously conceded only two goals over six Conference League matches, the Czestochowa team possessed the second-best defensive record in this season’s league phase, allowing them to easily secure a spot in the round of 16.

However, after four wins and two draws, they relinquished a crucial lead in Florence and now need to come back from behind to reach the quarter-finals.

Lukasz Tomczyk’s team has maintained a perfect home record, including a couple of clean sheets, and they will seek to fully capitalize on their home advantage come Thursday.

Currently experiencing their most successful period, Rakow celebrated consecutive Polish cup victories in 2021 and 2022, followed by their first league title the subsequent year, finishing second last season.

In stark contrast to Fiorentina’s domestic struggles, they remain competitive in the Ekstraklasa: despite a 3-1 defeat to Gornik Zabrze on Sunday, they are only four points shy of the top spot.

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Team News

Vanoli is likely to rotate his squad, as he often implements multiple changes for European matches, especially since Fiorentina played on Monday; they will also face a demanding league match this weekend against Serie A leaders Inter de Milão.

Star forward Moise Kean has just returned from a shin injury that kept him out of the first leg, so Piccoli may keep his position in attack.

While Luca Lezzerini and Manor Solomon remain sidelined due to injuries, and Robin Gosens is now a doubt, Nicolo Fortini is anticipated to recover from a knock; Croatian center-back Marin Pongracic will be eligible again after serving a UEFA suspension last week.

Meanwhile, Rakow’s attack will likely be spearheaded by Brunes, who was rested last Sunday; a relative of Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker has netted 12 Ekstraklasa goals this campaign.

Aston Villa loanee Oliwier Zych will occupy the goalkeeping position, while Vladyslav Kocherhin’s ACL injury marks him as the hosts’ only confirmed absence.

Rakow Czestochowa probable starting XI:

Sigh; Tudor, Racovitan, Svarnas; Ameyaw, Repka, Struski, Carlos; Ivi, Makuch; Bruns

Fiorentina probable starting XI:

Christensen; Fortini, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Parisi; Ndour, Mandragora, Fabbian; Harrison, Piccoli, Fazzini

Preoccupied with domestic challenges, Fiorentina has fluctuated in form throughout this Conference League journey, rendering them somewhat unpredictable.

Nonetheless, following consecutive wins, the Viola are hopeful of advancing past another Polish rival and securing a quarter-final spot for a fourth consecutive season.