Fiorentina’s impressive winning streak came to an unexpected halt in Nicosia, where they suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to APOEL in the Conference League. The Viola, who had won their last seven competitive matches, including two in the Conference League, faced challenges that ultimately cost them the game.
Returning from suspension, Lucas Martinez Quarta was back in the lineup, while Albert Gudmundsson and Danilo Cataldi were sidelined due to injuries. APOEL, who had recently dropped down from both the Champions League and Europa League, were looking to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing start in the group stage.
The match began with Fiorentina creating early chances, but they struggled to find the back of the net. Christian Kouame had a shot deflected by the APOEL goalkeeper, and later missed a clear opportunity from close range. Meanwhile, APOEL had their own penalty appeals turned down when a pull-back from Anastasios Donis struck Martinez Quarta before hitting his hand.
APOEL opened the scoring with a well-executed play as Donis evaded the offside trap and delicately chipped the ball over Fiorentina’s goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano. Fiorentina responded with opportunities of their own, but their efforts were thwarted by solid defending and missed chances.
The hosts doubled their lead through a stroke of luck when a clearance attempt hit Cristiano Biraghi and fell right back to Kayode, who capitalized on the mistake. Despite their struggles, Fiorentina managed to get back into the game when Jonathan Ikone combined with Kouame to score from a tight angle just before halftime.
In the second half, Fiorentina pushed for an equalizer but found it difficult to break through APOEL’s disciplined defense. They continued to create chances but were unable to convert any into goals. Edoardo Bove came close in stoppage time but fired over the bar.
Goals: Donis 37 (A), Abagna 45 (A), Ikone 74 (F)
APOEL (4-3-3): Belec; Chebake, Petrovic, Laifis, Susic; Abagna, Kostadinov; Donis (79′ Dvali), Tejera (67′ Satsias), Quintillà; El Arabi. All. Jimenez.
Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Kayode, Quarta, Moreno (57′ Dodò), Biraghi (57′ Ranieri); Adli (46′ Beltran), Mandragora; Richardson (65′ Bove); Ikonè, Parisi; Kouamè.
