Fiorentina vs Raków Częstochowa: A Battle for Conference League Glory

Two-time finalists Fiorentina face a challenging first leg in the Conference League last-16 against Raków Częstochowa at Stadio Franchi on Thursday evening. After a nerve-wracking playoff victory against Jagiellonia Białystok, the Viola aim to continue their continental journey, with a quarter-final spot against either Crystal Palace or AEK Larnaca on the line.

A Scare in the Playoffs

Fiorentina narrowly avoided an upset in the playoffs, overcoming Jagiellonia Białystok 5-4 on aggregate after extra time. Despite building a three-goal lead in Poland, Jaga fought back to level the tie before Fiorentina ultimately prevailed. This experience serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the Conference League.

Fiorentina’s Continental Struggles

Despite being the only club to reach 100 goals in UEFA’s third-tier competition, Fiorentina have faced difficulties in this season’s campaign. A 15th-place finish in the league phase forced them into the playoffs, where they almost suffered a humiliating exit. Their domestic form has also been inconsistent, currently sitting just one point above the Serie A relegation zone. A crucial clash against Cremonese awaits them next Monday, adding pressure to this European fixture.

Raków Częstochowa: A Rising Force

Raków Częstochowa arrive in Florence as a formidable opponent, boasting the second-best defensive record in the tournament, conceding only two goals in six matches. They cruised through the league phase undefeated, securing direct progression to the round of 16. Raków are enjoying a golden era, having secured back-to-back domestic cup triumphs in 2021 and 2022, followed by their first league title in 2023.

Domestic Dominance

Unlike Fiorentina’s struggles, Raków are performing strongly in the Ekstraklasa, currently fourth in the table, just four points off the top. Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Pogon Szczecin demonstrates their momentum. This will be only their second encounter with Italian opposition, following two losses to Atalanta in the 2023-24 Europa League group stage.

Recent Form

• Fiorentina Conference League Form: L L W L W L
• Fiorentina Form (All Competitions): W W W L L D
• Raków Częstochowa Conference League Form: W D D W W W
• Raków Częstochowa Form (All Competitions): D D W L W W

Team News

Paolo Vanoli is expected to rotate his Fiorentina squad, prioritizing the upcoming Serie A match. Star striker Moise Kean is sidelined with a shin injury, potentially giving Roberto Piccoli another start. Luca Lezzerini and Manor Solomon remain injured, while Fabiano Parisi is available after a domestic ban. However, Marin Pongracic is suspended.

Raków’s top scorer in the competition, Lamine Diaby-Fadiga, will likely support lone striker Jonatan Braut Brunes. Aston Villa loanee Oliwier Zych will start in goal, with Vladyslav Kocherhin the only confirmed absentee.

Possible Starting Lineups

• Fiorentina: De Gea; Fortini, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Parisi; Brescianini, Mandragora, Fabbian; Harrison, Piccoli, Fazzini
• Raków Częstochowa: Zych; Tudor, Racovitan, Svarnas; Ameyaw, Repka, Struski, Carlos; Diaby-Fadiga, Makuch; Brunes

Prediction

Fiorentina’s home form in Serie A has been underwhelming, claiming only 14 points from 42. With one eye on their relegation battle, they may be vulnerable against a well-organized Raków side. Raków have already demonstrated their capability in qualifying and the league phase, and could secure a positive result in Tuscany.

For more in-depth data analysis and predictions, visit WhoScored.