Fiorentina kicked off their Conference League campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Welsh side The New Saints at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Italian side struggled to break down their resilient opponents until late in the second half.
The Viola, finalists in the competition for the past two seasons, controlled the game from the outset but were frustrated by their own wastefulness in front of goal. Jonathan Ikoné and Christian Kouamé both squandered good opportunities in the first half, while Lucas Beltrán forced a save from a tight angle.
The hosts came closest to opening the scoring just before halftime when Rolando Mandragora’s curling effort struck the underside of the crossbar. Unfortunately for Fiorentina, Mandragora injured his knee in the process and had to be substituted.
As the second half progressed, Fiorentina’s pressure intensified, with The New Saints defending desperately. The breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute when Yacine Adli found the bottom corner after his initial shot was blocked.
The floodgates opened shortly after, with substitute Moise Kean doubling Fiorentina’s lead from close range following a scramble in the box. Kean had another golden opportunity to add a third but was denied by a last-ditch save from The New Saints’ goalkeeper.
While the scoreline may not reflect their dominance, Fiorentina will be pleased to start their European campaign with three points. The result sets them on course in a competition where they have high aspirations, having reached the final in the previous two seasons.
Goals: Adli 65 (F), Kean 69 (F)
Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Kayode (58′ Dodo), Moreno, Biraghi, Parisi; Adli (83′ Cataldi), Mandragora (45’+1 Richardson); Ikoné, Beltran (58′ Gudmundsson), Sottil (58′ Kean); Kouamé.
TNS (4-3-3): Roberts, Daniels, Davies, Bodenham, Redmond (82′ Brobbel); Smith, Clark (67′ McManus), D. Williams; Holden, Wilson (82′ Cieslewicz), Bradley (61′ Marshall).
