Fiorentina is facing mounting pressure ahead of their crucial Conference League match against Dynamo Kiev at Stadio Artemio Franchi. The Italian side finds itself in a troubling position, having lost consecutive games after a promising start in the league phase. Currently seated in 17th place, just ten spots above their opponents, Fiorentina is grappling with the prospect of elimination from the competition.
Fans had hoped for a turnaround following the dismissal of head coach Stefano Pioli and the appointment of Paolo Vanoli. However, results have not improved since Vanoli took charge. The Viola are yet to secure a victory under their new manager, remaining winless in five matches. After beginning with two draws against Genoa and Juventus, the team has succumbed to three straight losses, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to AEK Athens in their last outing.
Fiorentina’s disappointing form has left them at the bottom of the Serie A standings and struggling in the Conference League. Once boasting a joint top position after the first two matchdays, the club now faces the possibility of being eliminated altogether by the end of the six-match phase.
Dynamo Kiev arrives in Florence with their own challenges, having recorded one win and three losses in their recent European endeavors. The team’s last defeat came against Omonia, leading to the sacking of coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi. Since then, Ihor Kostiuk has taken the helm but managed to secure only one victory in a month. Now, Dynamo aims for consecutive wins, hoping to fuel a late push for a playoff spot in the competition.
Presently ranked 27th in the 36-team table, the Ukrainian club remains two points away from Rijeka in 24th place, leaving their chances of advancing largely out of their control. Nonetheless, a win against Fiorentina would not only boost their standing, but also add pressure on rival teams.
The matchup is particularly significant for Dynamo, as they have yet to defeat Fiorentina in six previous attempts. The visiting squad is set to face a tough challenge, especially as they have struggled to find the back of the net, with no player scoring more than once in this season’s competition.
On the injury front, Vanoli’s squad is missing several key players, including Jacopo Fazzini, Tariq Lamptey, and Robin Gosens. Midfielder Cher Ndour has been vital for Fiorentina, contributing to 50% of the team’s goals so far. The onus will fall on forwards like Moise Kean and Edin Dzeko to step up in this crucial fixture.
Conversely, Dynamo is without Andriy Yarmolenko, Volodymyr Brazhko, and Vitaliy Buyalskyi due to injuries.
As both teams look to change their fortunes, the match is anticipated to be closely contested. Given Fiorentina’s current struggles, they might prioritize their league aspirations over success in Europe. The prediction leans towards a draw, potentially extending the winless streak for Dynamo against Fiorentina.
