Fiorentina Vs Celje

Fiorentina, twice runners-up in the UEFA Europa Conference League, are set to welcome Celje to the iconic Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday evening for what promises to be an intense second leg of their quarter-final clash. Having emerged with a slender 2-1 victory from the first leg in Slovenia, the Italian outfit now seeks to capitalise on home advantage and secure their place in the semi-finals of the competition for the third consecutive season. Despite the favourable outcome in the initial encounter, Fiorentina were made to work hard for their win and will be fully aware that their Slovenian counterparts are far from finished in this tie.

Raffaele Palladino’s Fiorentina entered the first leg as strong favourites, expected to dictate the tempo and impose their authority on the contest. And while they did manage to come away with a narrow win, the performance was far from straightforward. Goals from Luca Ranieri and Rolando Mandragora gave the Viola what appeared to be a comfortable lead, but the momentum quickly shifted when Logan Delaurier-Chaubet pulled one back for Celje, injecting life into the underdogs and sending a clear message that they would not be brushed aside so easily. From that point on, Fiorentina found themselves under pressure, with Celje probing for an equaliser that never came, thanks in large part to the experienced shot-stopper David de Gea.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who joined Fiorentina in a surprising move that has paid off immensely, was called into action on numerous occasions and made several crucial saves to preserve his side’s lead. His presence between the posts has added a sense of calm and confidence to the Fiorentina backline, which at times during the first leg looked vulnerable to Celje’s counterattacks and incisive play. The high defensive line deployed by Palladino offered the Slovenian champions plenty of space to exploit, something they did effectively, albeit without finding the second goal they desperately sought. Heading into the return leg, it’s clear that Fiorentina cannot afford to take their opponents lightly.

The Italian side, however, can draw comfort from their exceptional home form in this season’s Conference League campaign. Since the group stage began, Fiorentina have been flawless on their own turf, registering wins against The New Saints (2-0), Pafos (3-2), LASK (7-0), and Panathinaikos (3-1). This impressive streak at the Stadio Artemio Franchi has seen them average nearly four goals per game, a testament to their attacking prowess and ability to dismantle opponents with relentless pressure and clinical finishing. The confidence that stems from such performances at home is palpable, and it gives Fiorentina a psychological edge ahead of Thursday’s fixture.

Despite the daunting task that lies ahead, Celje’s coach Albert Riera has instilled a sense of belief and resilience within his squad. The former Liverpool and Spain winger, now making his mark in management, expressed frustration after the narrow loss in the first leg, feeling that his team deserved more from the contest. His side matched Fiorentina in several departments and will travel to Italy with the intention of playing without fear. Riera’s message to his players has been one of encouragement and ambition, as he aims to guide Celje to an historic semi-final appearance in their very first participation in the main phase of European competition.

That ambition is rooted in a strong domestic campaign that has seen Celje rise to prominence in Slovenian football. Though their winning streak in all competitions was snapped by the defeat to Fiorentina, they responded well with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Mura in their subsequent league outing. That victory, secured with two late goals, demonstrated the team’s character and ability to persevere under pressure—qualities that will be essential if they are to overturn the deficit in Florence. The momentum from that league triumph could prove invaluable as they aim to defy expectations on the continental stage.

Yet, despite their spirit and drive, Celje’s away record in European competition poses significant concerns. While their most notable result on the road came in a 2-0 win against PAOK in the round of 16, that victory stands as something of an outlier when viewed alongside their other away results. Losses to Vitoria Guimaraes (3-1), Real Betis (2-1), Pafos (2-0), and Lugano (a 5-4 defeat on penalties after a high-scoring encounter) highlight a pattern of inconsistency and defensive frailty when playing away from home. If they are to have any hope of pulling off a shock result against a team of Fiorentina’s calibre, they will need to produce a performance of near-perfection on both ends of the pitch.

One of the key issues facing Celje is their vulnerability at the back. With an average of 2.4 goals conceded per game in this season’s Conference League, their defensive line has often struggled to contain more potent attacking teams. That tendency to ship goals could be their undoing against a Fiorentina side that thrives in high-scoring matches and possesses the technical quality and depth to exploit even the slightest of weaknesses. Players like Mandragora, Ranieri, and others in the attacking midfield and forward roles have shown a willingness to take risks and push forward in numbers, making it imperative for Celje to remain disciplined and organised throughout the 90 minutes.

On the tactical front, Palladino is likely to retain the attacking blueprint that has brought success in the competition so far, albeit with some defensive adjustments to prevent a repeat of the scares from the first leg. De Gea’s presence offers a safety net, but Fiorentina’s high line may be reconsidered, especially if Riera’s team once again look to capitalise on transitions and exploit space in behind. The midfield battle could prove pivotal, with Fiorentina looking to dominate possession and control the rhythm of the game, while Celje may opt for a more reactive approach, aiming to strike on the break when opportunities present themselves.

Fiorentina’s wealth of experience in European competition also plays to their advantage. Having reached the final in the two previous editions of the Conference League, the Italian side knows what it takes to navigate the latter stages of the tournament. This experience, coupled with the passionate backing of their home supporters, will be a major asset as they aim to extend their European journey and edge closer to lifting the elusive trophy. The club’s ambitions are high, and anything less than a semi-final berth would be deemed a disappointment given the quality and depth of the squad.

As for Celje, their journey in this season’s Conference League has already been historic, but Riera and his players are not content with simply making up the numbers. They see Thursday’s game as an opportunity to make a statement on the European stage and elevate the status of Slovenian football in the process. Their hunger and desire to prove themselves, particularly against a side with Fiorentina’s pedigree, cannot be underestimated. While the odds may be stacked against them, football has a way of rewarding belief and perseverance, and Celje will look to channel that mindset in pursuit of a memorable upset.

Ultimately, this quarter-final tie represents a clash of ambition, experience, and resilience. Fiorentina, with their proven track record in the Conference League and formidable home form, will be expected to advance, but they must remain vigilant and composed in the face of a spirited and capable Celje side. The Slovenian champions, under the guidance of the ever-optimistic Riera, have shown that they belong at this level, and they will give everything in their quest to reach uncharted territory in the form of a semi-final berth.

As the second leg approaches, anticipation continues to build among both sets of supporters. For Fiorentina fans, it’s a chance to witness their team take another step toward European glory. For Celje’s loyal followers, it’s an opportunity to dream—the dream of toppling a giant and writing a new chapter in the club’s history. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and come Thursday night, only one team will emerge with their European adventure still alive. Whether it’s the seasoned Italian contenders or the fearless Slovenian newcomers, this promises to be a compelling contest filled with drama, intensity, and the unpredictable magic that European nights so often deliver.