Fiorentina mission: avoid the play-offs. An opportunity to be seized, but Guimaraes will not give discounts

Florence, 19 December 2024 – The Fiorentina it reappears at the Conference League with two very specific objectives. Let's make it three. To get back up after the 'peculiar' defeat that came at Dall'Ara. But above all to win to avoid adding two more games to continue the competition, considering that if the Viola were to leave the top eight of the standings they would have to go through play off. Not only that. If they were to take the three points in the Portuguese match against Guimaraes (21pm) would avoid finding Chelsea at least until the final. Not bad to keep a safe distance from the English squadron.

The odyssey of the eve must not distract Fiorentina. Mister Palladino does not want alibis from this point of view. Of course, the group would have preferred to travel according to the pre-established timetable but in the end the weather conditions forced the club to a plan B. Departure in the late afternoon from Pisa instead of Peretola and arrival in Guimaraes after dinner time. Inconveniences to overcome quickly, because in Portugal Fiorentina needs to play a real match. As mentioned, the stakes are direct access to the round of 6 (13-XNUMX March) guaranteed with a point. But the Portuguese mission started with the ambition of going to win the challenge to try to grab second place in the standings behind Chelsea (currently in the hands of Rui Borges' team). Win and in the meantime ensure that Legia Warsaw does not triumph by a goleada at home to Djurgarden. Interlocking and crossings of a maxi group that 'rewards' the first two in the standings by not making them meet each other before a possible final.

Portuguese with several notable absences. Nelson Oliveira, striker and leader of the offensive department, stands out, as well as Bruno Gaspar. The former player on duty has been out since the beginning of December due to a muscular problem. Fiorentina left Sottil and Cataldi at home (both with tonsillitis, they should recover for Udinese) as well as biraghi (technical choice). Palladino's training it will be a mix of regulars and regulars (don't get angry with the coach...) also because there is a little more time to recover this time given Monday's commitment against Udinese. Martinelli dreams of another chance between the posts. Dodo is sure to be there given the suspension to serve in the championship. And up front the heavy artillery is not excluded right from the start, with Gudmundsson behind Kean. It will take a polished Viola, in the cauldron of the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques which is expected to be full (about 30.000 spectators) and without Viola fans who must serve the second and final day of suspension imposed by UEFA.