If Fiorentina win the Conference League Final against Olympiacos and finish outside the top eight, then it would open up another European spot in Serie A.

The Viola will go head-to-head with Olympiacos in Athens for the 2024 Conference League Final on May 29.

Whoever wins that trophy gains automatic access to the Europa League for the 2024-25 campaign.

Therefore, if Fiorentina win while finishing outside the top eight, then they will be the ninth team to qualify for a UEFA competition next season.

However, all they need are two points from their remaining two Serie A matches against Cagliari and Atalanta to guarantee eighth place.

So in order for Torino or even Napoli to snatch that Conference League qualifying spot, they would need the Viola to falter.

Fiorentina on track for eighth place

As things stand, Fiorentina are on 54 points with a game in hand, followed by Torino on 53 and Napoli 52.

The Tuscans will not complete their Serie A campaign until June 2 against Atalanta, as that game was called off at the last minute in March when director Joe Barone collapsed at the team hotel, dying two days later.

It was simply not possible to reschedule it before then due to the packed fixture list of both teams.

As things stand, the top five go into the Champions League, sixth and seventh the Europa League and eighth the Conference League.

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano jokes Arthur Melo hadn’t scored in ‘7-8 years’ before tonight’s win over Monza, but is already studying Conference League Finalists Olympiacos.

The Viola had to rotate the squad and were missing several big players after Thursday’s Conference League semi-final win over Club Brugge, setting up their spot in the Final against Olympiacos in Athens on May 29.

“We said that we needed to be concentrated, as we need to keep plugged in and focused on what we’ve got to do both in Serie A and going into that truly important match with great spirit and enthusiasm,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

It was a rough start at the Stadio Franchi this evening, as Milan Djuric put Monza in front with a trademark header, but Nico Gonzalez nodded in the equaliser before Arthur Melo drilled a rare strike into the far bottom corner from outside the D.

“We did well with the comeback, the fatigue is getting to the players and we had to use Castrovilli wide to fill the gaps and let some others rest. We are playing with enthusiasm, what we try in training often works and just like last season, the lads are pushing hard at this stage.

“We knew that Djuric had been scoring a lot recently and that this situation could happen, but he’s so big and strong, I’m not sure there is a method of stopping him!”

If there is one player who seemingly never gets tired, it is Nico Gonzalez, while Arthur Melo has also shaken off some fitness issues.

“Nico is doing well, he had a period where he was not sharp, but you can see from his runs in attack and defence just how good he feels now. Having Nico in this shape right now is very important for us,” continued Italiano.

“Arthur scored a great goal, maybe it was 7-8 years since he last scored! Maybe that means things are changing now. Until recently he tended to fall away from the 60^th minute onwards, but today he was really pushing until the 80^th. He’s a great professional, working hard and this goal was the just reward.”

Italiano agrees with Klopp comparisons

The Nico Gonzalez goal came from Fiorentina with a high press, swarming to prevent Monza getting out of their own final third until Antonin Barak eventually crossed to the Argentina international.

It was compared to the approach taken by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and before that in Germany.

“We expected Monza to change system, as they have been playing with four at the back recently, so we tried to get them to move around and find them in their weak area. It worked,” agreed Italiano.

“This high press brings some advantages, it also has risks, because if the opponents beat the first press then the spaces really open up. There are ways to avoid that too, including tactical fouls, blocking the corridors, and this goal was an example of why we play like this.”

As things stand, Fiorentina are now two points clear of Napoli in eighth place, but have a game in hand to be played against Atalanta on June 2.

This weekend, they will also go head-to-head with Napoli in what could be a decisive result for the Conference League spot.

Meanwhile, Italiano is already paying close attention to Olympiacos ahead of the Conference League Final in Athens.

“I was there in front of the television with pizza and Coca-Cola to study them in the second leg against Aston Villa. They are a strong, aggressive team, and if they beat Villa home and away, that means they have real quality.

“Their centre-forward is scoring consistently, but the team can close up and counter very effectively. It won’t be their stadium, but we are in their city, so you can imagine the atmosphere we will be stepping into.

“This is our second consecutive Conference League Final, we want to make the most of the lessons we learned from last season’s experience, as this is a great opportunity to bring a trophy to Florence.”

In the last two seasons, Italiano has taken Fiorentina to three Finals, losing the Coppa Italia and the Conference League in 2023.

Portuguese referee Artur Soares Dias will officiate the Conference League Final between Fiorentina and Olympiacos on May 29, but is already familiar with Greece.

The showdown will kick off at the AEK Arena in Athens on Wednesday May 29 at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

There will inevitably be more Olympiacos supporters than Fiorentina, because it was a mere coincidence that the Final had been scheduled for Athens, without knowing a Greek team would qualify.

UEFA confirmed that Soares Dias will be assisted by Paulo Soares and Pedro Ribeiro, with Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg as the fourth official.

The VAR is Tiago Martins of Portugal, with Germany’s Christian Dingert as his assistant and Marco Fritz as VAR Support.

This will be the first major UEFA Final for 44-year-old Soares Dias.

Soares Dias record with these Finalists

He has officiated Fiorentina before in the Europa League, overseeing a 2-1 win over Dnipro in December 2013 and a 4-2 home defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach in February 2017.

His overall record with Italian club sides is of eight wins, one draw and four defeats.

Soares Dias officiated Olympiacos twice in the Greek Super League, a 1-0 win over Panathinaikos in November 2020 and 1-1 draw away to AEK Athens in September 2023.

Foreign referees were not unusual in the Greek Super League, but UEFA withdrew their use in May 2023 following fears for their safety.

Fabio Capello hopes Italian coaches complete a treble in European competitions this season but warns Atalanta that ‘Leverkusen have more quality.’

Capello, a former Milan, Juventus, and England coach, is confident that Italian coaches can win three UEFA competitions this season.

“It would be nice to see a treble from Italian coaches: Ancelotti lifting the Champions League with Real Madrid, Gasperini winning the Europa League with Atalanta and Italiano triumphing in the Conference League with Fiorentina. For Coverciano, it would be like winning a Ballon d’Or,” the ex-coach told Gazzetta.

“I am confident even if it may sound strange given the opponents. I am more fearful for Fiorentina than Atalanta. The Viola will meet Olympiacos in Athens, even if in AEK’s stadium, not theirs’. However, Greek fans are loud, and I hope Olympiacos will feel more pressure than it is due,” he continued.

Atalanta have qualified for the Coppa Italia and the Europa League Final and eliminated Liverpool in the UEL quarter-finals.

Capello warns Atalanta

“I trust Gasperini and Atalanta. A team that can hurt any opponent,” said Capello.

“It’s no coincidence that they won 3-0 at Anfield, eliminating Liverpool, who were considered the favourites for the Europa League. Leverkusen have more quality [than Atalanta] and all these good results have boosted their self-esteem, but to be favourites is not always an advantage.”

Capello knows it first-hand.

“In 1993, we [Milan] reached the Champions League Final against Marseille after some great results. But then a corner kick was enough to lose the Final,” Capello warned.

“This is football, nothing should ever be taken for granted. Atalanta have drastically improved and I believe they’ll need great focus.”

What’s the most impressive achievement for Gasperini this season?

“He deserves credit for what he achieved from De Ketelaere and Scamacca. Gasperini has made Atalanta and Italy’s good. now we have a solid striker for the Euros,” Capello replied.

Capello on Fiorentina’s UECL hopes

Fiorentina, on the other hand, have reached the second consecutive Conference League Final and hope to win the trophy this time after losing to West Ham a year ago.

“Fiorentina have more experience than last season but they’ve had highs and lows in Serie A,” noted Capello.

“Italiano deserved another Final, and I hope he’ll find the key to beating Olympiacos and lifting the cup this time. However, don’t underestimate the Greeks, not only because they play in Athens.”

Capello won two European trophies as a coach, both at Milan. A Champions League in 1993-94 and a UEFA Supercup in 1994.

He also won five Serie A titles and two La Liga with Real Madrid.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Sesko sees Milan

Meeting with the Rossoneri in Milano

Offer worth €50m to Leipzig for the Slovenian centre-forward

Tonight Cagliari at San Siro, Pioli drops Leao and Theo

Inter give no discounts and score 5

Champions win in Frosinone

From Frattesi to Lautaro and Thuram: Nerazzurri at 92 points

Today Bologna visit Napoli for the Champions League

Treble of Italy

Capello: ‘Atalanta and Fiorentina can do it. And with Ancelotti…’

Como in Serie A after 21 years

Bari in the playout

A global club with Fabregas and the Indonesian owners

Il Corriere dello Sport

The man of dreams

Gasperini at the centre of everything: European destinies of Atalanta, Roma and Napoli now depend on him

The keys, De Rossi and Dublin

Tomorrow he wants to snatch 5^th place from the Giallorossi, who could still go into the Champions League if La Dea win the Europa League

Meanwhile he is courted by De Laurentiis’ club, who take on Bologna today

DiFra, Inter show no mercy

Champions back to winning ways (5-0)

Victory worth 3 points in Frosinone after surprising ko with Sassuolo

Frattesi goal and assist for Arnautovic, then Buchanan, Lautaro and Thuram

Bari take the playouts

Serie B, verdicts: Como in Serie A, Ascoli slip into C

DeLa’s team beat Brescia 2-0: Sibilli and Di Cesare goals

They will gamble for safety with Ternana

Palermo in the play-offs against Pirlo

Conference League Final

Viola fans risk being left at home

Few flights to Athens and high prices: costs 700 Euros from Florence

Only 8,000 tickets available for the match with Olympiacos

Serie A is split: four big clubs won’t stand for it

Tension within the Lega

Juve, Roma, Inter and Milan ready to clash: among the reasons for the split are autonomy, the 20-team format, fixture list and ADL-Lotito leadership

Lazio 1974: ‘Nobody can resist sincerity’

Tuttosport

‘FIFA is killing the leagues’

Interview with Tebas, President of the Spanish Liga

‘They impose everything from on high, like the Club World Cup shoved into the fixture list without asking anyone. Even the new Champions League is for rich sides and risks cannibalising the national tournaments. Serie A just like the Premier League if it gets the books balanced. Me in charge? Who knows…’

Buongiorno, Milan relaunch

Attempted overtake for the Toro centre-back against Inter

Nerazzurri can only sign him on loan with obligation to buy, Cairo asking for €45m

Tonight the Rossoneri against Cagliari in a tense atmosphere: Pioli leaves out Leao, Theo, Tomori and Calabria

Inter back from their vacation, 5-0 at Frosinone

Di Francesco furious

Golden Boy, Wharton is the surprise

Yamal still leads the list

Giuntoli remakes the team

Technical director is defining the new Juve staff: Sbravati for the academy

Genoa director on the list with Pompilio and Stefanelli

Coach of the Women changes too: Canzi arrives from Pontedera

Transfer market: eyes on Yan Couto for the wing

Bologna match on May 20: Fagioli can return

Bayer Leverkusen’s aggregate win over Roma hasn’t only stopped an all-Italian Europa League Final but has also prevented Italy from getting a 6th Champions League spot next season, at least for now.

Atalanta will meet Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023-24 Europa League Final in Dublin on May 29.

The fresh Bundesliga champions managed a 2-2 draw in the second-leg semifinal against Roma, securing a 4-2 aggregate win. Roma had taken a two-goal lead, but the Germans scored twice in the final ten minutes, reaching Atalanta in the Final after La Dea crushed Marseille 3-0.

Italy have already been granted an extra place in next season’s Champions League, having mathematically finished the season in the top two of UEFA’s coefficient ranking. However, the country has a chance to get six clubs in the competition in 2024-25 and Bayer’s win over Roma has made a big difference for Calcio.

Leverkusen denied Italy 6th Champions League place against Roma

Italy can still get a sixth spot in the 2024-25 Champions League if Atalanta win the Europa League and finish outside the top five in Serie A. Roma, Atalanta and Lazio are still in the race for the top five and La Dea will meet the Giallorossi in the next round on Sunday, May 12.

Atalanta and Roma have 60 points, Lazio follow with 56, but La Dea have a game in hand. If Lazio or Roma finish 5th and Atalanta win the Europa League, they’d still qualify for the Champions League, having lifted the second most important UEFA trophy.

Ultimately, if Atalanta win the Europa League and finish sixth in Serie A, the seventh and eighth-placed teams will play in the Europa League, while the ninth-placed team will qualify for the Conference League.

There could even be another extra spot for Italian clubs if Fiorentina win the Conference League and finish outside a Europa League placement in Serie A.

Atalanta are in the Europa League Final and Fiorentina in the Conference League Final, so inevitably their rescheduled Serie A game has to be on June 2.

The fixture was meant to take place on March 17 and was called off just an hour before kick-off when Fiorentina director Joe Barone collapsed in the team hotel.

He was rushed to hospital, where he died two days later.

Because both teams have such packed schedules, it has been impossible to reschedule that Serie A match and the situation is not getting any easier.

Atalanta will play Juventus in the Coppa Italia Final on May 15 and then Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League Final on May 22.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina are going to face Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League Final on May 29.

Atalanta-Fiorentina forced delay

It is simply impossible to schedule Atalanta-Fiorentina in Serie A before the weekend of June 2 and that will be made official over the next few days.

This means that it will be played after the Serie A season has concluded for everyone else on May 25.

It is by no means ideal, especially as both Atalanta and Fiorentina are in the running for European qualification through Serie A, so their result could have a crucial knock-on effect for other teams.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

And it’s two!

Historic Atalanta

Roma so close to the coup

Dea in the Europa League Final after Fiorentina for the Conference League

Marseille flattened in Bergamo 3-0: May 22 Gasp in Dublin against Bayer Leverkusen

Viola in Athens with Olympiacos

Double Paredes penalty, the dream evaporates at the end

In Germany it goes from 2-0 to 2-2

Barella, golden signature

He will be the highest-paid Italian in Serie A

Tonight Inter visit Frosinone

Checks on clubs: Government insistent

Cairo: ‘Sport must be autonomous’

Conceiçao wants Milan

Wrestling match with Porto

President Villas-Boas won’t budge, but the coach insists on leaving

Il Corriere dello Sport

Opus Dea

Europa League: Gasperini wins 3-0

De Rossi upset: from 2-0 to 2-2

Space-age Atalanta: historic Final

Roma, the comeback disappears with an own goal

Lookman, Ruggeri and Toure crush Marseille (3-0)

Giallorossi protagonists in Leverkusen: brace of Paredes penalties

Then at the 82^nd minute Mancini own goal and 97^th equaliser for Bayer, who on May 22 will face Scamacca

Conference League: Olympiacos in the Final against Fiorentina

Ancelotti, pride of Italy

Mister Champions League

He will play his sixth Final in the most prestigious tournament: he already won four

The best example of timeless Calcio

ADL out in the open

‘Napoli, I won’t lose Gasperini’

President confirms his preference: ‘I always watch his games, he is wonderful’

Lazio 1974 Scudetto special

‘Giorgio, what is fear?’

Inter in Frosinone: stomach full or empty?

Today the early game, Lautaro on the bench

Inzaghi picks Arnautovic with Thuram

Di Francesco dreams of a Sassuolo-style coup: ‘But I would’ve preferred all the games played simultaneously’

Stirpe sold out

Tuttosport

Alex blesses Yildiz 10

Meeting in Juve headquarters fires up the Turkish talent

Surprise and joy: ‘Del Piero is my idol!’

Then his encouragement for Kenan, who also imitates the goal celebration

But for Sunday the gastroenteritis is still a problem

Atalanta, Final dream!

Roma, that really hurts

Europa League: May 22 in Dublin against Leverkusen

Historic first time for the Nerazzurri: 3-0 past Marseille (Lookman, Ruggeri and Toure)

Giallorossi close to the incredible comeback in Germany (pair of Paredes penalties), then Mancini own goal at the 82^nd and Bayer make it 2-2 at the 97^th

Toro: Vanoli on the verge

Venezia coach has been booked

Repeated meetings with his agent

It’s too risky to wait for Italiano and Pallerino is looking for better

Eyes on Leoni of Samp

Conceiçao for Milan? From May 26

Porto summit

First the Portuguese Cup Final against Sporting, then the all-clear

Amrabat: contact

‘Stop to the Club World Cup or we will sue’

Too many games: international union of players warns FIFA

Olympiacos have beaten Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League semi-final, setting up a thrilling final against Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina in Athens.

The Viola were left heartbroken in last season’s Conference League final at the Fortuna Arena after West Ham edged out a 2-1 win, forcing Italiano’s side to accept the silver medal. Their defeat gave the Florence side an extra burst of motivation this term, seen in their strong campaign.

Fiorentina Conference League final

Fiorentina topped a group containing Ferencvaros, Genk and Cukaricki before progressing to the knockout stages, where they took wins over Maccabi Haifa in the Round of 16 and Viktoria Plzen in the quarter-finals. They overcame the tensions of the semi-final against Club Brugge to book their spot in the final.

Olympiacos shocked Aston Villa in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final tie at Villa Park on May 2^nd, picking up a 4-2 win over the Premier League outfit, and they replicated that success in their return clash in Piraeus, picking up a 2-0 win to take them to the final.

Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet reflected on the Conference League semi-final loss to Fiorentina, taking a jab at referee Halil Umut Meler.

The Viola edged out an incredibly tense 4-3 aggregate win over the Belgian side in their European semi-final tie, putting Vincenzo Italiano’s side in the final against the winner of Aston Villa or Olympiacos.

Italiano and Fiorentina suffered a painful loss to West Ham in the Conference League final last term, giving them an extra burst of motivation to carry out some unfinished business in the upcoming final. The nature of their second leg semi-final draw with Club Brugge proved frustrating for many Belgian fans, with a late penalty call changing the tie.

Mignolet frustration

Speaking to Gianluca Di Marzio, Mignolet first reflected on Club Brugge’s Conference League semi-final loss to Fiorentina.

“We are all disappointed because we have shown once again of what we are capable of against a very strong Fiorentina, who for me can now win the Conference League.

“We deserved to go through even if at the end, especially in the second half, they played better by hitting the woodwork a couple of times. But it’s unfair that we went home because of a penalty.”

Mignolet continued analysing the nature of the Belgian side’s defeat to the Viola.

“I don’t want to say that the best team was eliminated because between the first and second legs Fiorentina proved to be stronger and expert. But they have a deeper squad, they can bring in players who will rock the game for you.

“And compared to us they have 22 high-level players. And this was their ace in the hole, the one that made the difference, not only in the return match but also in Florence.”

Finally, Mignolet took aim at referee Halil Umut Meler, whose penalty call changed the tie.

“But both at Franchi and tonight they scored in the last 20 minutes. It’s true that we ‘survived’ many posts, crossbars and shots on goal. They enjoyed a first-leg advantage which meant they only had to score one goal here in Bruges. But then the referee ruined the match with that penalty.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Here’s one!

Fiorentina fly to the Final, today Atalanta and Roma for history

Beltran penalty, Viola party. On the 29th in Athens for the cup. Gasp in Bergamo starts from 1-1 with the Frenchmen. De Rossi must recover from 2-0

Champions League

Real Carletto

Bayern tricked (2-1), now he targets the 15th

Napoli pick Pioli

De Laurentiis tries with a two-year deal to return to winning ways

Il Corriere dello Sport

Champions, Real in the Final, Bayern beaten 2-1

Ancelotti, a legend

Another fantastic night: two Joselu goals at min 87 and 91 cancel Tuchel. On July 1, Final against Borussia Dortmund in Wembley. Carlo can win the trophy for the fifth time

Viola party, at 21 De Rossi and Gasp aiming for the treble

There’s no one without three

Fiorentina in the Final, now Roma and Atalanta

Decisive Beltran after two posts. On the 29th, Italiano wants to lift the Conference that was close in 2023. Lukaku in Leverkusen must come back from 2-0. Dybala doubt. Scamacca: Marseille assault

Juve, the fans vote for Max

After the chants at the stadium and the banners, one of the most important organised groups takes position: ‘Bring us the Coppa Italia. We don’t want Motta or Conte.’

Tuttosport

Champions: Incredible Real comeback, favoured by the Bayern keeper

Carletto, all the rest is Neuer

Ancelotti put Joselu in at minute 81 and in three minutes he scored a brace: Final against Dortmund in Wembley on June 1.

Juventus wish list for an extra-large market

We take you to the market with Giuntoli

From Di Gregorio to Gudmundsson, from Calafiori to Koopmeiners, from Samardzic to Zirkzee. Numbers and names for the necessary reinforcements in light of the possible departures. A deep squad with quality is the priority

Beltran, final justice

After three posts and thousands of chances, the Argentinean make the Viola celebrate. Final against Olympiakos? Tonight Atalanta and Roma in the Europa League

Everyone is guilty, nobody is guilty

The group covers the responsible ones for the heavy words on Superga, taking collective responsibility but at least not looking for excuses. Cairo will promote Moretti as GM.

Fiorentina director Daniele Prade dedicated the team’s Conference League semi-final tie win over Club Brugge to their late CEO Joe Barone.

The Viola edged out a decisive 3-2 win over their Belgian opponents in the first leg meeting in Florence last week, a result that ultimately proved key ahead of their return clash on Wednesday evening.

Fiorentina fell 1-0 down at the Jan Breydel Stadium after a 20^th minute header from Hans Vanaken, but found a late equaliser in the 85^th minute through a controversial Lucas Beltran penalty, a call that infuriated the home fans and left many neutrals confused.

Fiorentina dedication

Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Prade first dedicated Fiorentina’s Conference League semi-final win over Club Brugge to the club’s late CEO Joe Barone, who sadly passed away back in March.

“I think that the joys that sport and football in particular can give you are indescribable, we live for this, we live for what they can do for the fans, our president, our families. And then today we couldn’t not win the match, it was for Joe.

“At the moment of the penalty, we held each other hand in hand with their whole family, it was wonderful also to the Commisso family, so we are very happy.

“Going to celebrate under the curva is a wonderful thing. I have had important matches in Europe, but it is difficult to find such bedlam, it was truly an incredible match.”

He commented on the qualities of striker Beltran and coach Vincenzo Italiano.

“Beltran is a strong player, today he demonstrated that he has the real attributes by taking that penalty after we had missed the last five. Plus this year it is truly incredible, every time we shoot we hit the post or the crossbar, a championship-winning average…

“Now is the least appropriate moment to talk about the future of Vincenzo Italiano, but I can say that the relationship with him will always remain special, with we have done some incredible journeys, he is loved by all of us, by Joe and the Commisso family, by me and by everyone.”

Finally, Prade remembered Fiorentina’s Conference League final loss to West Ham last year.

“Trying again after a year is one of the wonderful opportunities that sport gives you. You spend a week feeling terrible because you lost a match, your family is also feeling bad and then you experience these incredible joys together with all of them.”

Fiorentina kept their nerve amidst the tensions to progress to the Conference League final after a tense 1-1 draw over Club Brugge saw them win 4-3 on aggregate.

The Viola came into the match at the Jan Breydel Stadium with a slim 3-2 advantage, having just done enough in the first leg in Florence to put them in the driving seat of the tie.

Both sides came out with a point to prove in Belgium as the home fans set up an exciting atmosphere, acting as a 12^th man for the hosts. The excitement soon turned to tension, however.

Tense Fiorentina outing

Fiorentina kicked off the match, but it soon became apparent that Club Brugge were the more fired up of the two sides, consistently trying to push into the Viola half to start chipping away at their disadvantage.

In the 20^th minute, a well-placed whipped in ball from Thiago Rodriguez was perfectly caught by Hans Vanaken, whose header sailed past Pietro Terracciano into the back of the net, tying things up 3-3 on aggregate, firing up the home fans.

The goal seemingly woke up Fiorentina, who tried to carve their way into the Club Brugge half as the first half progressed. Relatively poor and tired play limited any attacking moves, with misplaced passes and forced turnovers often disrupting play. A thrilling volley from Christian Kouame was unlucky to hit the underside of the crossbar and bounce out.

The Viola were unable to find a breakthrough in the first half, allowing the hosts to enter the half-time break with a slim 1-0 lead on the night, keeping things level ahead of the second 45 minutes.

Club Brugge tried to maintain the momentum in the early stages of the second half but Fiorentina quickly took the driving seat, applying increasing amounts of pressure as the minutes ticked by.

In the 74^th minute, a dangerous free kick from Cristiano Biraghi threated Simon Mignolet’s net but he was denied by the post. Only second later, a looping header from Kouame looked on track to cross the line before the woodwork again had something to say, letting the Belgians off the hook.

The final 10 minutes of the match saw chaos; a good cross from Nicolas Gonzalez saw M’Bala Nzola lean low to try and head the ball, but he was caught by Brandon Mechele, who was trying to clear the danger. Despite the obvious lack of intent, a painfully soft penalty was awarded by referee Halil Umut Meler.

With the home fans rightfully infuriated, Lucas Beltran stepped up to the plate, and made no mistake from 12 yards out to find the equaliser for Fiorentina, putting them up 4-3 on aggregate. It was a bitter blow for the hosts.

Club Brugge tried to muster a response as the final minutes ticked by but they were unable to find a rhythm in the Viola third, allowing the Italian side to escape with a slim 4-3 aggregate win, taking them to the Conference League final.

According to reports on Wednesday evening, Napoli sent scouts to observe last week’s Europa Conference League semi-final first leg between Fiorentina and Club Brugge in Tuscany, which ended in a 3-2 victory for La Viola. 

Napoli, like many clubs in Serie A and beyond, are beginning to lay the foundations ahead of a busy summer transfer period. 

According to reports from TMW, there are three players that would have been of particular interest to Napoli during Fiorentina-Club Brugge, all of whom are currently plying their trade in Belgium. 

Three players of interest to Napoli

The first is 19-year-old centre-back Jorne Spileers. Though still a teenager, he has made 35 top-flight appearances in the Belgian Pro League, plus another 12 in the Europa Conference League and the competition’s qualifiers. 

Back in November, he received his first call-up to the senior Belgium national team squad as a replacement for the injured Zinho Vanheusden. 

The second player who could be of interest to Napoli is 25-year-old striker Ferran Jutgla. He came through the academy with Espanyol in Spain, and then spent a year on the books with Barcelona, making six LaLiga appearances during his time at Camp Nou. 

Since moving to Club Brugge in the summer of 2022, he has averaged just shy of a league goal every three games, with a total tally of 21 from 66 appearances. 

The other option for the Partenopei is another teenager in 19-year-old Kyriani Sabbe. A right-sided full-back or wing-back by trade, he has broken through into the Club Brugge first team this year with seven league appearances. 

All three of the above players have contracts in Belgium that run until the summer of 2026. 

Fiorentina put themselves back ahead in their Europa Conference League semi-final tie with Club Brugge on Thursday evening after being awarded a slightly controversial penalty for a foul on M’bala Nzola. 

The former Spezia striker dipped his head to try and make contact with an acrobatic cross into the area from Nico Gonzalez, but appeared to make contact with the knee of Brugge defender Brandon Mechele. 

The question is whether the defender was at fault for having his knee in an unnatural position, whether he had made a genuine attempt to play the ball, or whether Nzola went for the slightly-speculative header subtly looking for a penalty. 

Ultimately, the referee’s decision was to award a penalty, which was then confirmed by the VAR team in the control room. 

Lucas Beltran stepped up to take the spot-kick, slotting it into the bottom corner past former Liverpool goalkeeper and Belgium international Simon Mignolet. 

The match has since reached its conclusion with the scores at 1-1 on the night, which means that Fiorentina will play in a second successive Conference League final.

HUGE moment as Fiorentina are awarded a penalty late on

Beltran converts to make it 4-3 on aggregate

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2024

{end, 19:43, Full time!}

The final whistle has blown and Fiorentina are through. Truly heartbreaking for Club Brugge, who’ll rightfully feel that their chances have been stolen away from them by some frankly shocking officiating. Not an enjoyable watch particularly and soured further by the referee.

{live, 19:39, Nzola booked}

Yellow card for an incredibly cynical move, kicking away the ball as Club Brugge prepare a free kick.

{live, 19:38, Inches away!}

Vanaken was inches away from netting a crucial goal for Club Brugge but a desperate save from Terraciano poked the ball wide.

{live, 19:37, Odoi red}

A red card was shown to Odoi, who was on the bench, after tensions rose on the touchline.

{live, 19:34, Added time}

Seven minutes of added time here.

{live, 19:33, Fiorentina changes}

Off: Beltran

On: Ranieri

{live, 19:31, Clock ticking}

Approaching the final few minutes of regular time now, leaving Club Brugge with a mountain to climb after a frankly baffling call from the referee, which has derailed the tie.

{live, 19:29, Club Brugge changes}

Off: Skoras, Odoi

On: Nielsen, Nusa

{live, 19:28, 1-1 Fiorentina!}

Beltran easily dispatches the penalty to make it 1-1, 4-3 on aggregate. An incredibly soft penalty, hard to not feel sorry for Club Brugge.

{live, 19:26, Fiorentina penalty!}

Fiorentina have been awarded a penalty after a fairly soft foul by Mechele on Nzola.

{live, 19:18, Now the post!}

Kouame does well with his header from a curling cross but it bounces off the post, again letting Club Brugge off the hook.

{live, 19:16, Crossbar!}

Biraghi’s free kick is much better this time, ricocheting off the crossbar and going out.

{live, 19:15, Booking}

Odoi booked as Fiorentina given a free kick just on the edge of the penalty area.

{live, 19:14, First changes}

Club Brugge: Vetlesen off, Zinckernagel on.

Fiorentina: Belotti and Arthur off, Nzola and Duncan on.

{live, 19:10, Conference quality}

Both sides look pretty poor here, neither managing to hold onto the ball for long nor produce any real chances of note in the second half. This is certainly one of the matches of all time.

{live, 19:06, Shocking attempt}

Biraghi really failed to connect with this free kick, watching it sail over the bar. Poor, really poor.

{live, 19:05, Dangerous free kick}

Fiorentina are awarded a dangerous free kick on the edge of the box after a foul by Vetlesen on Dodo.

{live, 18:57, Positivity}

Fiorentina are looking a little more ambitious and positive when breaking into the Club Brugge half, but still missing that end product.

{live, 18:52, Resumption}

Play resumes with Club Brugge on the front foot.

{live, 18:49, Smoke}

Flares and smokes let off at half time have left visibility incredibly low here. Play has been paused.

{live, 18:48, Second half kicks off}

The second half has started!

{live, 18:33, Half time!}

Half time at the Jan Breydel Stadium. 1-0 to Club Brugge on the night, 3-3 on aggregate.

{live, 18:31, One minute remains}

Only one minute of added time here in the first half. Italiano will need to fire up his players if Fiorentina are to show something of note in the second half.

{live, 18:28, First yellow}

Ordonez is shown the first yellow card of the match after a foul on Belotti. It looks a little harsh.

{live, 18:21, Beautiful chance!}

An absolutely stunning volley from Kouame is so bitterly close to going in, firing off the underside of the crossbar and going out. Incredibly unlucky.

{live, 18:16, Confusion}

Confusion at the back almost sees Fiorentina concede a second after Milenkovic falls limply to a slight challenge, allowing the Belgians to burst forward. Dodo does well to get in the way of the open net, nicking the ball and putting it behind.

{live, 18:12, Stop start}

Tension clearly visible on the pitch here as play continues stopping and starting, with players often hitting the deck at the slightest contact.

{live, 18:09, Fiorentina wasteful!}

Fiorentina waste an absolutely golden chance; a through-ball in the middle allows Gonzalez to take a one-on-one, but his limp shot is easily saved by Mignolet. Belotti’s follow-up is no better and goes wide, keeping things 1-0.

{live, 18:06, Club Brugge 1-0!}

De Cuyper gets on the end of a curling cross to guide the ball into the back of the net, making it 3-3 on aggregate in the 20th minute.

{live, 18:04, Mandragora skies it}

A wonderful burst forward down the left from Belotti leads to a cross to Gonzalez, whose header lands to Mandragora. The Fiorentina man leans back and his shot flies over the bar, letting the hosts off the hook.

{live, 18:01, First corner}

Club Brugge win the first corner of the match, but it comes to nothing.

{live, 17:56, Pressure rising}

Club Brugge are starting to apply the pressure a little here, keeping Fiorentina boxed in their defensive third.

{live, 17:52, First free kick }

Fiorentina win a free kick in the midfield after some clever hold-up play from Belotti.

{live, 17:50, Electric atmosphere}

The opening few minutes have seen both sides try to push forward as the home fans loudly cheer on Club Brugge, setting up a tense and exciting clash.

{live, 17:45, Kick off!}

We have kick off at the Jan Breydel Stadium!

{live, 17:30, Starting line-ups}

Club Brugge (4-4-2): Mignolet; Sabbe, Mechele, Odoi, Ordonez; Skoras, Vetlesen, Vanaken, De Cuyper; Igor Thiago, Jutgla.

Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Dodo, Milenkovic, Martinez Quarta, Biraghi; Arthur, Mandragora; Gonzalez, Beltran, Kouame; Belotti.

Join us for all the action as it happens from tonight’s decisive Conference League semi-final clash between Club Brugge and Fiorentina.

The battle between the Blauw-Zwart and the Viola kicks off at 17.45 UK time at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Brugge.

Fiorentina hold a 3-2 aggregate lead over Club Brugge after their success in the first leg in Florence last week, leaving the hosts with a key mission.

Conference League: Club Brugge vs Fiorentina

The Italian side cannot count on Riccardo Sottil, whose season is over after a fractured collarbone, and Gaetano Castrovilli, who isn’t part of their UEFA registered squad.

Club Brugge are without goalkeeper Nordin Jackers and Bjorn Meijer, both of whom are out injured. The rest of their squad is fully fit and ready to face the Viola.

The other side of the Conference League bracket sees Olympiacos take on Aston Villa, with the Greek side holding a 4-2 lead after their surprising victory in the first leg.

Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina are ready for their decisive Conference League semi-final second leg clash with Club Brugge, starting Nicolas Gonzalez and Andrea Belotti.

The battle between the Blauw-Zwart and the Viola kicks off at 17.45 UK time at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Brugge.

Fiorentina are keen to complete some unfinished business in the Conference League and hold the advantage heading into their semi-final second leg, having won 3-2 in their first meeting in Florence last week.

The Viola cannot count on Riccardo Sottil, whose season is over after a fractured collarbone, and Gaetano Castrovilli, who isn’t part of their UEFA registered squad.

Club Brugge are without goalkeeper Nordin Jackers and Bjorn Meijer, both of whom are out injured. Last season, the Belgian side were eliminated in the Champions League Round of 16 after a 7-1 aggregate loss to Benfica.

The other side of the Conference League bracket sees Olympiacos take on Aston Villa, with the Greek side holding a 4-2 aggregate lead.

Conference League line-ups for Club Brugge vs Fiorentina

Club Brugge (4-4-2): Mignolet; Sabbe, Mechele, Odoi, Ordonez; Skoras, Vetlesen, Vanaken, De Cuyper; Igor Thiago, Jutgla.

Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Terracciano; Dodo, Milenkovic, Martinez Quarta, Biraghi; Arthur, Mandragora; Gonzalez, Beltran, Kouame; Belotti.

The second leg of the Conference League semifinal between Fiorentina and Club Brugge is played on Wednesday rather than Thursday because of a catholic procession that will pass through the streets of the Belgian city tomorrow.

Fiorentina will visit Club Brugge on Wednesday evening in the second leg of the Conference League semifinal. Conference League matches are usually played on Thursday, but UEFA has made an exception for this fixture, as the Belgian club demanded several weeks ago.

Conference League: Why Club Brugge vs Fiorentina is played on Wednesday

In fact, tomorrow, Thursday, May 9, Brugge will host the Procession of the Holy Blood. It’s a procession that takes place every year on Ascension Day, which, in 2024, is May 9.

The Procession of the Holy Blood was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009.

Fiorentina will aim to reach their second consecutive Conference League Final this evening after beating the Belgian side 3-2 in Florence last week.

Nico Gonzalez and Andrea Belotti will return to the starting XI for the Tuscans after resting in the latest Serie A match against Hellas Verona.

Nico Gonzalez and Andrea Belotti will return to Fiorentina‘s starting XI for the second leg of a Conference League semifinal against Club Brugge.

It kicks off at 17:45 UK time (CMT+1) at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Brugge. Fiorentina aim to reach the Conference League Final for the second year running.

The Tuscans start with a 3-2 first-leg lead but can’t rely on the injured Riccardo Sottil or Gaetano Castrovilli, who has not been included in the Tuscans’ UEFA list.

Vincenzo Italiano massively rotated his squad in the previous Serie A match against Hellas Verona and all the regular starters will return to the line-up this evening.

Belotti, Lucas Beltran, Nico Gonzalez, Cristiano Biraghi and Pietro Terracciano will start against Club Brugge and the only two doubts for Italiano are in central midfield and defence.

Giacomo Bonaventura is not fully fit, so Arthur could start in the middle of the park alongside Rolando Mandragora, while Dodo is fighting for a starting spot as right-back with Michael Kayode.

Club Brugge vs. Fiorentina – probable line-ups

Club Brugge (4-3-3): Mignolet; Sabbe, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Odoi, Vetlesen; Skov Olsen, Thiago, Skoras.

Fiorentina (4-2-3-1): Terracciano, Kayode, Milenkovic, Martinez Quarta, Biraghi; Bonaventura, Mandragora; Nico Gonzalez, Beltràn, Kouamè; Belotti.

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