The Stadio Artemio Franchi in Italy will be the venue for the semi-final between the hosts Fiorentina and the visitors Basel, as both teams bid to make the final step and qualify for the finals.
Fiorentina will be looking to make a storming start to this leg before traveling to Switzerland next week for the second leg.
Basel will hope to remain in the match, get a good result to take home, and carry some momentum into the second leg at home.
Key Highlights
Fiorentina’s Inconsistent Domestic Form
Vincenzo Italiano and his men have run into a bad patch of form in Serie A in recent matches. Although they were poised to challenge for a Champions League place in the run-in, an inconsistent run of form has seen them drop to 8th on the table, seven points behind fourth-placed Inter.
However, Italiano will hope that his side can take their frustrations out in the Conference League when they meet Basel in the first leg of the two last four ties, with the final at stake.
In their last five matches, Fiorentina have won just once. They have had two straws and two losses. They warmed up for the clash with Base with a 1-0 defeat at newly crowned Champions Napoli.
However, Vincenzo Italiano will be confident that his side are in a good place ahead of the clash with Basel and that they can get a brilliant result to take to Switzerland next week.
Basel Off the Pace in Swiss Super League
Basel’s form going into the clash with Fiorentina on Thursday is indifferent. After winning two consecutive matches in the Swiss Super League heading into their last match, they duly lost to FC Zurich (0-2) to mark an inconsistent season so far for Basel.
In their last five outings in the Super League, Basel have won twice, lost twice, and drawn once. This run of form has highlighted their inconsistency and up-and-down form this season.
Bet hereThey are currently 5th on the Swiss Super League table with 42 points, 25 points behind leaders Young Boys.
However, they have shown their resilience and quality in the Europa Conference League. Their journey to the semi-final has helped keep their season alive.
Basel will be looking to shock Fiorentina with an impressive away day performance to get a good result.
Injury Report
Fiorentina
Fiorentina will be without two of their match-day squad players ahead of their clash with Basel on Thursday.
Goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu is still out with an Achilles tendon rupture. The 36-year-old has been out since March 25, 2023.
Center-forward Arthur Cabral is also out of the match against Basel with an unknown injury.
FC Basel
Basel will miss four players typically in their matchday squads in their trip to Fiorentina on Thursday.
Center-back Arnau Comas is out with a thigh problem since February 17, 2023. Defensive midfielder Fabian Frei is sidelined with a herniated disc.
Left-back Ricardo Calafiori is out of the match with an unknown injury, whereas center-back Andy Pelmard is also missing from action with an unknown injury.
Possible Lineups
Fiorentina
P. Terracciano; A. Terzic, Igor, N. Milinkovic, Dodo; A. Dincan, S. Amrabat; R. Sottil, G. Bonaventura, N. Gonzalez; L. Jovic
FC Basel
M. Salvi; S. Diaby, Kasim, M. Lang; S. Lopez, A. Diouf, T. Xhaka, D. Ndoye; Z. Amdouni, D. Males; J. Augustin
Prediction
Fiorentina will play on the front foot, seeking to harvest the energy the passionate home support generates.
Basel will be pragmatic in their approach and look to frustrate Fiorentina, keep the scoreline level, and look to attack through the counter.
Fiorentina will win and take a massive step toward the final.
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