dailyloe.com – Crystal Palace travels to Florence for a UEFA Conference League quarter-final second leg against Fiorentina on Thursday. The English side holds a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead from the first leg in South London. Fiorentina must stage a major comeback at Stadio Artemio Franchi to advance. This marks a critical test for the Italian club’s European record.
Fiorentina enters this match in unfamiliar territory after last week’s heavy defeat. Paolo Vanoli’s side suffered a 3-0 loss at Selhurst Park. The Florence-based club now faces overturning a significant European deficit for the first time. Their impressive history in this competition’s latter stages is under threat.
The club has never lost a last-eight match in the Conference League in three previous appearances. Fiorentina are two-time Conference League finalists and three-time semi-finalists. They have found themselves needing to overturn a first-leg deficit on three prior occasions. The Italian side ended on the losing side every single time.
Of their 11 European quarter-final ties in history, Fiorentina have won 10. Their only previous loss at this stage was against Celtic in the 1969-70 season. Home supporters face the prospect of that 56-year unbeaten quarter-final record ending. A remarkable turnaround is required to avoid an early exit.
Fiorentina’s domestic form offers a glimmer of hope after a recent win. A David De Gea-inspired 1-0 victory over Lazio all but secured their Serie A status. The Viola are now eight points clear of relegation danger with six games to play. Fans will hope their attacking players find exceptional form against Palace.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner recognizes his opponent’s recent struggles. Fiorentina are winless in their last four matches against English teams. The Italian side has recorded three losses and one draw in that span. The Eagles will aim to extend that winless streak to five matches.
This European stage is a new experience for Crystal Palace. The club heads into a Conference League quarter-final second leg for the first time. Oliver Glasner’s men may face a tactical dilemma in Florence. The team must balance adding to their lead with protecting their current advantageous position.
The match preview was written by Seye Omidiora and published on April 14, 2026. It was last updated on April 16, 2026. The source material includes a featured betting offer for new UK and ROI customers. Certain terms and conditions apply to the promotional offer.[]
Source: Sports Mole
