- Fixture: Fiorentina vs NK Celje
- Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
- Venue: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy
Match Preview
The second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final between Fiorentina and NK Celje is set to be an exciting affair. Fiorentina hold a slender 2-1 advantage after their hard-fought victory in Slovenia last week. The Italian side demonstrated their experience and composure in the first leg, with captain Luca Ranieri scoring a brilliant opener and Rolando Mandragora converting a controversial VAR-awarded penalty. Despite their dominance in possession, Fiorentina faced stiff resistance from Celje, who managed to pull one back via Logan Delaurier-Chaubet’s penalty.
NK Celje, the first Slovenian club to reach this stage of European competition, will travel to Florence with belief that they can overturn the deficit. Their spirited performance in the first leg showcased their resilience and ability to trouble Fiorentina’s defense. The likes of Aljoša Matko and Delaurier-Chaubet were particularly threatening, and Celje will need to replicate their attacking intent while tightening up defensively to stand a chance of progressing.
Fiorentina have been formidable at home in European competitions, winning all five of their matches at the Artemio Franchi this season. However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, as evidenced by Celje’s ability to create chances in the first leg. With Moise Kean and Albert Guðmundsson likely returning to the starting lineup after being rested last week, Fiorentina will look to capitalize on their attacking depth.
Celje demonstrated grit and determination in front of their home crowd but missed key opportunities to level the game late on. Their penalty goal from Delaurier-Chaubet highlighted their ability to exploit defensive lapses. However, composure in front of goal will be critical if they are to upset Fiorentina away from home.
The Italians were clinical when it mattered most but struggled defensively under pressure late in the match. Luca Ranieri’s leadership and Mandragora’s midfield control were pivotal in securing the win. Their rotated squad performed admirably, but coach Raffaele Palladino may opt for his strongest lineup for this decisive second leg.
Key Players
Fiorentina:
- Luca Ranieri: The captain was instrumental in the first leg with his goal and defensive contributions.
- Rolando Mandragora: A composed presence in midfield who scored from the spot.
- Moise Kean: Expected to return to the lineup; his pace and finishing could be decisive.
NK Celje:
- Logan Delaurier-Chaubet: Scored a crucial penalty and remains Celje’s most creative player.
- Aljoša Matko: A constant threat on the flanks with his pace and directness.
- Zan Karnicnik: Solid defensively but will need to step up against Fiorentina’s attacking firepower.
Prediction
Fiorentina’s home advantage combined with their superior squad depth makes them clear favorites for this tie. While NK Celje have shown they can compete at this level, overturning a deficit against a team with Fiorentina’s European pedigree will be a tall order. Expect Fiorentina to dominate possession and exploit Celje’s defensive gaps.
Predicted Scoreline: Fiorentina 3–1 NK Celje (Aggregate: 5–2)
Betting Markets
| Market | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Result – Fiorentina Win | 1/4 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 4/7 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score – Yes | 6/5 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score – 3–1 Fiorentina | 12/1 | Bet Now |
| Moise Kean to Score Anytime | 11/8 | Bet Now |
With Fiorentina likely pushing for an emphatic win at home, betting markets favor goals and individual performances from their star players.
