Celje, Slovenia – As Fiorentina prepare to face Celje in the first leg of the Conference League quarter-finals on Thursday, April 10, 2025, the stakes are high for both teams. Fiorentina, who have been runner-up in the competition for two consecutive years, remain desperate to finally lift the elusive trophy. With their record of two losses in the finals almost haunting them, the Tuscan team is focused on making this season their victorious year.
Celje, on their part, are not backing down as they eye a semi-final spot against either Real Betis or Jagiellonia. They come into this match riding high after recently knocking out Maribor from the Slovenian Cup and managing a win against Bravo in the PrvaLiga.
“We want to show that we belong here, and we are ready to take on any team, including Fiorentina,” said Celje coach after their win against Bravo. The local team has already demonstrated their resilience, coming through a grueling tie against Lugano in the last 16, where they lost the second leg but advanced through a penalty shootout.
The home team faces a tough challenge, as no Slovenian side has had a favorable record against Italian opposition in UEFA competitions. Of the seven encounters, only one ended in a victory for Slovenia. However, their motivation to break this pattern is immense, particularly given their strong domestic form.
Fiorentina’s coach Raffaele Palladino has streamlined his squad rotation in recent matches, gearing up for what he anticipates to be a crucial game ahead of their domestic league fixtures. Star player Moise Kean will be leading the attack after a stellar performance in the last few matches. With four goals to his name this season in European competitions, he is expected to play a significant role in the tie.
In the match, Fiorentina’s recent away form may cause concern as they have only secured one win from four away fixtures in the league phase. Nevertheless, they have won all four home games since the start of the league phase, providing them with solid confidence. The Viola will look to carry this winning mentality into the game against Celje.
Celje looks to field a strong lineup, with several key players in good shape. Their recent victories show proficiency in attack, making them a formidable opponent for Fiorentina as they seek to climb the ranks in European football.
In terms of injuries, both teams are relatively well off, with Fiorentina missing just a few squad members, while Celje has the advantage of a full-strength squad. The battle on the pitch promises to be intense, as each team fights for their place in the next round of the tournament.
This quarter-final clash is a critical moment for both clubs. With fans from both sides expected in attendance, the atmosphere at Stadion Z’dezele will be electric. As the kickoff approaches, both teams will aim to capitalize on the opportunity to assert their dominance in the tournament.
