The Europa Conference League semi-finals get underway on Thursday as Fiorentina and Basel go head-to-head at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. La Viola will hope that third time’s a charm as they bid to reach a European showpiece fixture for the first time in the 21st century.
Vincenzo Italiano’s side edged Polish outfit Lech Poznan in the quarter-finals 6-4 on aggregate to book European semi-final tickets for the first time since the 2014/15 Europa League season. However, after failing to make it out of both previous continental last-four ties in the new millennium, Fiorentina cannot take anything for granted.
With the prospect of securing European qualification next term dead in the water following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at newly-crowned Serie A champions Napoli, lifting the Europa Conference League title is the only route into UEFA competition for 2023/24. But more importantly, achieving that feat would see La Viola bring home European silverware for the first time in over 60 years.
Visiting Basel will be looking to stop Fiorentina in their tracks and become the first Swiss club to reach the final of a major European competition. Heiko Vogel’s men squeezed past Ligue 1 side Nice in the quarter-finals as 4-3 aggregate winners courtesy of Kasim Nuhu’s extra-time winner at the Allianz Riviera, securing their first European semi-final appearance in a decade.
However, Basel’s form in the aftermath has been far from convincing, as they’ve registered a pair of wins and two defeats in four Switzerland Super League games afterward. Indeed, their hopes of securing the European playoffs suffered a devastating blow last weekend, with Zurich steamrolling to a 2-0 victory at St. Jakob-Park.
Match Preview
Fiorentina
Although a 5-0 demolition of Serie A basement boys Sampdoria a fortnight ago remains Fiorentina’s only win in five matches (D2, L2) since progressing into the Europa Conference League semi-finals, it’s not all doom and gloom in the home camp. A 0-0 second-leg draw against Cremonese saw La Viola set up a mouth-watering Coppa Italia final against Inter.
Therefore, Fiorentina could still win two major titles this season. The first step toward accomplishing that goal is overcoming Basel. Italiano’s men can draw inspiration from finding the net in their last 14 European home fixtures, including qualifiers. Indeed, the Italians have scored a competition-high 32 goals in this season’s Europa Conference League.
Basel
Having advanced into the semi-finals of a major European competition for the second time in history, Basel are desperate to make their impressive continental run count. Walking away from Florence undefeated would be a massive success for the visitors. That could prove easier said than done, but the Swiss giants deserve the benefit of the doubt.
Lately, they have developed a penchant for draws in the Europa Conference League, as their last four continental matches have concluded with both teams level at the end of the 90 minutes. But considering they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet on their last five European travels, eking out another draw may not be possible.
Team News
Despite missing out on his side’s defeat in Naples due to a minor injury setback, Fiorentina star striker Arthur Cabral could make the starting lineup on Thursday. But this fixture will come too soon for veteran goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, meaning Pietro Terracciano should retain his place between the sticks.
First-choice center-back Nikola Milenkovic is unavailable for selection after accumulating yellow cards. As such, Lucas Martinez Quarta should return to the starting XI.
On the other hand, Basel captain Fabian Frei must stay in the treatment room with a back problem, while Spanish defender Arnau Comas won’t make the matchday squad after failing to overcome a long-term thigh injury.
Uncertainties also loom over the fitness of Andy Pelmard and Riccardo Calafiori, as they were absent from Sunday’s loss against Zurich.
Fiorentina vs Basel Potential Lineups
Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Pietro Terracciano; Dodo, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Igor, Cristiano Biraghi; Sofyan Amrabat, Alfred Duncan; Nicolas Gonzalez, Giacomo Bonaventura, Riccardo Sottil; Arthur Cabral.
Basel (3-4-2-1): Marwin Hitz; Michael Lang, Kasim Nuhu, Sergio Lopez; Dan Ndoye, Taulant Xhaka, Wouter Burger, Liam Millar; Darian Males, Zeki Amdouni; Andi Zeqiri.
Fiorentina vs Basel Prediction
Fiorentina and Basel enter Thursday’s showdown in a somewhat uncertain form. However, we anticipate La Viola to secure a slender first-leg advantage on their home ground.
Prediction: Fiorentina Win
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