The Neo GSP Stadium in Nicosia will host an intriguing Europa Conference League clash on Thursday evening as Cypriot champions APOEL welcome high-flying Italian side Fiorentina. The visitors arrive in Cyprus in scintillating form, while the hosts are struggling for consistency both domestically and in Europe.
Fiorentina have been in imperious form since late September, putting together a nine-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Their perfect start in the Conference League has them sitting pretty near the top of the group standings, level on points with Chelsea.
After dispatching The New Saints in their opener, the Viola showed great resilience to come from behind and beat St Gallen 4-2 away from home. Jonathan Ikone was the star of the show that night, netting a brace.
Their domestic form has been equally impressive, with five straight Serie A wins propelling them to within touching distance of league leaders Napoli and reigning champions Inter Milan. A tactical switch to a back four by manager Raffaele Palladino has paid dividends, allowing summer signings like Edoardo Bove and Moise Kean to flourish.
In stark contrast, APOEL find themselves in a difficult moment. The most successful club in Cypriot football history are languishing in fourth place domestically, eight points off the pace in their title defense. Goals have been hard to come by, with the team failing to find the net in four of their last seven outings.
Their European campaign has also gotten off to a disappointing start. After squandering a lead to draw 1-1 with Shamrock Rovers, they suffered a damaging 1-0 home defeat to Borac Banja Luka last time out. With just one point from two games, APOEL sit outside the playoff spots and face an uphill battle to progress.
The club’s revolving door policy in the dugout hasn’t helped matters. New coach Manuel Jimenez is already the fourth man to take charge in the last six months, highlighting the instability behind the scenes in Nicosia.
Team News
Fiorentina boss Palladino is expected to rotate his squad with one eye on Sunday’s Serie A clash with Hellas Verona. Top scorer Moise Kean could be rested, with Christian Kouame likely to lead the line. Cup goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano should deputize for David de Gea between the sticks.
Albert Gudmundsson remains sidelined for the visitors, while there are doubts over the fitness of midfielder Danilo Cataldi and defender Marin Pongracic.
APOEL are likely to name their strongest available lineup as they search for a much-needed victory. Experienced Moroccan striker Youssef El-Arabi will spearhead the attack, while former Germany international Max Meyer could return to the starting XI. Veteran goalkeeper Vid Belec, who has extensive experience in Italian football, is set to start in goal.
Expected Starting XIs
APOEL: Belec; Chebake, Petrovic, Dvali, Susic; Abagna, Tejera; Marquinhos, Meyer, Donis; El Arabi
Fiorentina: Terracciano; Kayode, Moreno, Martinez Quarta, Biraghi; Adli, Mandragora; Ikone, Beltran, Sottil; Kouame
Match Prediction
While APOEL will be desperate for a positive result in front of their home fans, Fiorentina’s quality and current form make them strong favorites. The Italian side should have too much firepower for their struggling opponents.
Prediction: APOEL 0-2 Fiorentina
