As the UEFA Europa Conference League reaches its penultimate group stage matchday, Fiorentina and LASK Linz find themselves in vastly different positions ahead of their encounter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. The Italian side sits comfortably near the top of the group, while their Austrian opponents are fighting to keep their European dreams alive.
Fiorentina enter this match with a clear objective: secure direct entry to the knockout phase. The Viola have been in scintillating form, both in Europe and domestically. Their recent 3-2 victory over Pafos FC not only put them back on track in the Conference League but also solidified their position as serious contenders for the title.
The Tuscan club’s ambitions extend beyond just qualification. Having reached the final in the last two editions of European competitions, Fiorentina is determined to go one step further this season. Their current form suggests they have the quality to do just that, with nine points from four matches placing them in a strong position to advance.
Raffaele Palladino’s side has been breaking records in Serie A, equalling a 64-year-old club record with eight consecutive league wins. This domestic success has translated well into their European campaign, where they’ve shown both resilience and attacking flair.
In stark contrast, LASK Linz arrives in Florence with their backs against the wall. The Austrian side is yet to taste victory in the group stage, accumulating just two points from four matches. Their most recent European outing, a 2-1 defeat to Borac Banja Luka, epitomized their struggles in the competition.
Currently occupying 32nd place in the 36-team table, LASK face the very real prospect of elimination. Manager Markus Schopp will be acutely aware that anything less than a win could spell the end of their European journey this season.
The visitors’ domestic form hasn’t provided much solace either, with inconsistency plaguing their Bundesliga campaign. Sitting in the bottom half of the Austrian top flight, LASK will be hoping to use this European fixture as a catalyst for a turnaround in fortunes.
Team News
Fiorentina is expected to rotate their squad, balancing the demands of their European ambitions with their impressive domestic form. Pietro Terracciano is likely to start in goal, while Jonathan Ikone, the team’s top scorer in the Conference League, could retain his place in the starting lineup.
The only notable absence for the hosts is Edoardo Bove, who is recovering after a recent health scare. His absence will be felt, but Fiorentina’s depth should allow them to cope effectively.
LASK, on the other hand, faces several selection challenges. Goalkeeper Jorg Siebenhandel is suspended following his red card in the previous match. The experienced Jerome Boateng joins a list of injured players, including Lenny Pintor, Tobias Lawal, and Moses Usor. However, the return of Filip Stojkovic from a domestic ban provides a boost to their defensive options.
The visitors will likely look to either Marin Ljubicic or Maximilian Entrup to lead the line, with support from the creative Valon Berisha, whose experience could be crucial in this high-pressure encounter.
Expected Starting XIs
Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Kayode, Martinez Quarta, Ranieri, Biraghi; Richardson, Mandragora; Ikone, Gudmundsson, Sottil; Kouame
LASK Linz (4-2-3-1): Jungwirth; Stojkovic, Ziereis, Smolcic, Bello; Talovierov, Bogarde; Flecker, Zulj, Berisha; Ljubicic
Match Prediction
Given the contrasting form and objectives of both teams, Fiorentina enter this match as clear favorites. Their attacking prowess, which has seen them average over two goals per game in the Conference League, should prove too much for a LASK side struggling to find the back of the net consistently.
While LASK’s desperation for points could lead to an open and entertaining match, Fiorentina’s quality and home advantage are likely to be decisive factors. A 3-0 victory for the hosts seems a reasonable prediction, further cementing their position in the group while potentially ending LASK’s European campaign.
Prediction: Fiorentina 3 – 0 LASK
