Vincenzo Italiano has guided Fiorentina back to the Conference League final (left), while Jose Luis Mendilibar is on the brink of securing Olympiacos’ first European trophy (right).
In Summary:
- Olympiacos defeated Aston Villa 6-2 on aggregate in the semifinals.
- Fiorentina narrowly overcame Club Brugge 4-3 in the semifinals.
- Analysts recommend betting on Olympiacos to win the Cup.
Olympiacos are set to chase their first-ever European trophy in Athens by taking on Fiorentina in the Conference League final.
After a commanding 6-2 aggregate victory over Aston Villa in the semifinals, Olympiacos are confident heading into the decisive match on home soil.
Fiorentina, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back from their heartbreak in last year’s final against West Ham but face a daunting challenge against the Greek side.
Team News:
Olympiacos will be without Doron Leidner due to injury, and there are doubts over the fitness of Francisco Ortega and Giulian Biancone.
However, Ayoub El Kaabi, who boasts an impressive record of 32 goals in 49 appearances this season, will lead their attack.
For Fiorentina, Riccardo Sottil is likely to miss the final due to a shoulder injury, but the team has no other significant injury concerns. Andrea Belotti, with eight goals this season, is expected to spearhead the Italian side’s offensive efforts.
The Stats:
Entering the Conference League after finishing third in their Europa League group, Olympiacos have eliminated Ferencvaros, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Fenerbahce, and Aston Villa. Fiorentina, after winning Group F unbeaten, have dispatched Maccabi Haifa, Viktoria Plzen, and Club Brugge.
This will be the first meeting between Olympiacos and Fiorentina in European competition. Olympiacos are only the second Greek team to reach a senior UEFA final, following Panathinaikos’ appearance in the 1971 European Cup final.
Fiorentina, aiming for their second major European trophy, previously won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1961.
Prediction:
With the final being held at AEK Athens’ stadium, just a short drive from Olympiacos’ base in Piraeus, the Greeks are expected to have significant home support. Their impressive semifinal performance against Aston Villa suggests they are well-prepared for the challenge.
Olympiacos have consistently outperformed expectations and are poised to do so again in the final. Despite Fiorentina’s determination to rectify last year’s disappointment, Olympiacos appear to have the momentum and support to secure their first European trophy.