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Fiorentina return to European action with confidence as they welcome Polissya Zhytomyr to Florence for the decisive second leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff. The Viola already hold a commanding advantage after their 3-0 triumph in Ukraine, where their superior firepower and disciplined defense proved decisive.
Under Stefano Pioli, the squad has been carefully balanced between seasoned campaigners like Edin Džeko and promising attackers such as Moise Kean, while veteran goalkeeper David De Gea adds stability at the back. Although their recent 1-1 draw against Cagliari in Serie A showed signs of early-season adjustment, Pioli remains optimistic. Transfer-linked Lucas Beltrán is unavailable, but new signing Roberto Piccoli has been added to strengthen the front line.
Polissya’s uphill battle
For Polissya, the task is daunting. Guided by Ruslan Rotan, the Ukrainian side comes into this clash after a patchy domestic run, most recently a 2-0 defeat to LNZ Cherkasy. Still, their journey to this stage has been historic, with eliminations of FC Santa Coloma and Paksi marking their best European run yet. Against Fiorentina, however, the difference in quality was clear in the first leg. Rotan is expected to focus on midfield solidity through Babenko, Lednev, and Andrievsky, while relying on forwards Artem Filippov and Vladyslav Nazarenko to find a breakthrough. The return of left-back Bogdan Mykhaylichenko from suspension provides an important boost to their defensive organization.
What to expect in Florence
Polissya will likely adopt a cautious approach, sitting deep to frustrate Fiorentina and hoping to strike through set pieces or rare counterattacks. Their resilience has been tested before, but overturning a three-goal deficit away from home is a monumental challenge. For the hosts, the priority will be avoiding complacency. While their cushion from the first leg offers breathing space, the unpredictability of Conference League football means focus will be essential. Fiorentina’s recent form at home has been dominant, with multiple high-scoring wins in European competition.
Prediction
The match is unlikely to deliver the same one-sided scoreline as in Ukraine, but Fiorentina’s attacking options should ensure a comfortable passage to the group stage. A 2-1 victory for the Viola looks a fair outcome, with Džeko and Kean expected to trouble Polissya’s defense once again. The visitors may find a consolation goal through a defensive lapse or a moment of inspiration, but the tie looks beyond reach.
Prediction: Fiorentina 3:0 Polissya Zhytomyr
