Fiorentina return to Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday needing to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit in their UEFA Conference League semifinal against an in-form Real Betis.
The Italians are aiming to reach a third consecutive Conference League final, while Betis chase a first-ever appearance in a European final after their gritty win in Seville last week.
🟣Fiorentina Hope to Complete Comeback | Home Win = 2.29💵
Despite trailing after the first leg, Fiorentina remain very much in the tie thanks to captain Luca Ranieri’s crucial away goal. The Viola have shown resilience throughout this European campaign and will bank on their home crowd to lift them.
Raffaele Palladino’s side suffered a 1-0 Serie A defeat to Roma on Sunday, failing to score despite good chances from Moise Kean and Rolando Mandragora. Pressure is mounting, but their record of back-to-back finals speaks to their knockout pedigree.
💚Real Betis Aim to Seal First Final | Away Win = 3.17💵
Real Betis come into this clash full of confidence, unbeaten in 14 of their last 15 matches across all competitions. Goals from Abde Ezzalzouli and Antony handed them the edge in the first leg, and another late winner followed in their 2-1 La Liga victory over Espanyol.
Sitting sixth in La Liga, just one point off the top five, Manuel Pellegrini’s side are in red-hot form and eager to finally make their mark in Europe after watching rivals Sevilla lift trophy after trophy.
🗝️Key Players & Team News📰:
Fiorentina will welcome back suspended captain Luca Ranieri to the backline, with Pablo Mari unavailable in Europe. Moise Kean is expected to lead the line again, possibly alongside Albert Gudmundsson or Lucas Beltran.
Danilo Cataldi is a doubt due to a thigh issue, but right-winger Dodo has recovered from surgery and could start. Palladino will likely revert to a full-strength XI after weekend squad rotation.
Real Betis, meanwhile, are still without key trio Chimy Avila, Marc Roca, and Diego Llorente due to injury. Antony is a sure starter after goals in both the first leg and against Espanyol, while Isco, boasting 11 goals and eight assists, remains the team’s creative heartbeat.
Cedric Bakambu and Ezzalzouli are in line for attacking roles, with the Moroccan likely to get the nod again after impressing in the first leg.
🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.50💵
⚽ Fiorentina are unbeaten in five of their last six Conference League home matches. | Main Market: Early Payout (Home) = 2.29
⚽ Real Betis have scored at least two goals in five of their last six away games across all competitions. | Main Market: Goals (Away Over 1.5) = 2.60
⚽ There have been at least 2.5 goals in the last 4 games of Fiorentina and Real Betis, including their 1st leg encounter last week. | Main Market: Over 2.5 Goals = 1.92
Thursday’s clash in Florence promises drama, with Fiorentina desperate to break their Spanish jinx and Betis determined to end their wait for European silverware. Expect intensity, quality, and possibly extra time.
🔗Check out the Fiorentina vs Real Betis Conference League semifinal on MSport.
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