The stakes are high for both sides. Crystal Palace, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, seeks to secure their second trophy in two years under manager Oliver Glasner. Meanwhile, Shakhtar leads the Ukrainian Premier League, but their journey has been fraught with challenges due to the conflict back home.

Key statistics:

• This is the first-ever meeting between Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace.
• Shakhtar has played English teams 18 times, winning 5 and losing 9.
• Ismaila Sarr has scored 7 goals in this season’s Europa Conference League.
• Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3-0 in the quarter-finals.
• The match is taking place in Poland due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Shakhtar advanced to this stage by defeating AZ Alkmaar with an aggregate score of 5-2. Yet, their circumstances are complex; as one analyst noted, “Despite this being a ‘home leg’ for Shakhtar, it is not really given it’s being played in Poland due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.”

Palace enters this match after a mixed run of form, including a recent 3-1 loss to Liverpool. Their aspirations hinge on players like Ismaila Sarr, who netted two goals against Fiorentina and has become a pivotal figure for the team.

The match will be officiated by João Pinheiro and is available for streaming on TNT Sports in the UK. With Oliver Glasner’s main injury concern being Tyrick Mitchell—who suffered an achilles injury during that Liverpool match—the stakes could shift dramatically based on his availability.

As both teams prepare for this historic encounter, uncertainty looms over how external factors may impact the game. With Shakhtar’s domestic success overshadowed by strife at home and Palace’s quest for European recognition, fans can expect an emotionally charged atmosphere as they take to the pitch.

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Fiorentina’s recent form has been a cause for concern, especially after suffering a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-finals. This loss has intensified the pressure on head coach Paolo Vanoli, who must rally his squad amid an injury crisis that has sidelined key players such as Moise Kean, Manor Solomon, and Albert Guðmundsson. The absence of these influential figures could weigh heavily on Fiorentina’s performance against a resurgent Lazio.

In contrast, Lazio arrives in Florence buoyed by their recent performances, having won three consecutive matches before a 1-1 draw with Parma. Coach Maurizio Sarri will be keen to capitalize on this momentum, especially with the return of Mattia Zaccagni and Patric, who add depth and experience to the squad. Their presence could prove pivotal in a match where every point counts.

The historical context adds another layer of intrigue to this encounter. Fiorentina holds a 6-2 advantage in their head-to-head meetings with Lazio, a statistic that could bolster their confidence as they take to the pitch. However, past results will mean little if they cannot convert their home advantage into tangible points.

Fiorentina’s lineup features notable players such as David de Gea, Robin Gosens, and Jack Harrison, who will need to step up in the absence of their injured teammates. Their ability to perform under pressure will be crucial as they seek to secure a vital win that could redefine their season.

As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on how Fiorentina copes with the mounting pressure. The stakes are clear: a win not only secures a vital three points but also provides a psychological boost as they aim to distance themselves from the relegation zone. “Fiorentina have the opportunity to go eight points clear of the relegation zone,” a source noted, highlighting the importance of this fixture.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of injuries on Fiorentina’s strategy, but the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With the clock ticking down to kick-off, the players will need to channel their focus and determination to rise to the occasion.

As the teams prepare to take the field, fans are left wondering if Fiorentina can overcome their challenges and secure a much-needed victory against a formidable Lazio side. The outcome of this match could very well shape the trajectory of their season, making it a must-watch for football enthusiasts.

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Fiorentina has been grappling for survival in Serie A this season, accumulating only 19 points in 2026 and struggling to find form, particularly at home. The team has lost six of their last seven meetings with Inter Milan, a statistic that looms large as they prepared for their latest clash at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence.

As the match unfolded, Fiorentina’s Cher Ndour managed to find the back of the net, igniting hopes among the home crowd. However, Inter Milan, currently perched at the top of the Serie A table, responded with vigor. Pio Esposito celebrated his goal, showcasing Inter’s dominance in recent encounters, having won five of their last six meetings against Fiorentina.

Fiorentina’s head coach, Paolo Vanoli, faced the daunting task of rallying his squad, who had only secured one win in their last five home league matches. The pressure was palpable as the team battled not just for points, but for their place in Italy’s top flight.

Inter, on the other hand, has been in formidable form, winning all 11 of their away league matches against teams outside the top five this term. Their confidence was evident as they took the field, with players like Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu aiming to extend their winning streak.

As the match progressed, discussions arose regarding a potential penalty after a controversial handball incident involving Fiorentina’s Pongracic. Graziano Cesari commented, “In my view, it’s a penalty because the cross came from a distance, the defender’s arm was outstretched, and the ball would have reached Thuram.” This sentiment was echoed by Mauro Bergonzi, who noted the lack of replays during the match, adding to the tension.

Fabio Caressa weighed in, stating, “They’ve explained to us that what matters is where the ball goes. Here, if Pongracic doesn’t catch it with his arm, it goes to Thuram.” Such moments underscored the high stakes of the match, with every decision potentially influencing the relegation battle.

As the final whistle approached, observers were left to ponder the implications of the match. Fiorentina’s struggle for survival continued, while Inter’s pursuit of the Serie A title remained unchallenged. The outcome of this match would resonate beyond the pitch, impacting both teams’ trajectories in the league.

With the Serie A season drawing to a close, the stakes are higher than ever. Fiorentina’s next steps will be crucial as they seek to escape the relegation zone, while Inter aims to solidify their position at the top. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the drama of Italian football unfolds.

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The upcoming match between Raków Częstochowa and Fiorentina raises the question: Can the Polish side overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg? The answer lies in their recent form and historical context. With the first leg ending in a narrow defeat, Raków must harness the energy of their home crowd at Stadion Raków in Poland to advance to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League.

Fiorentina, having secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg, enters this match with confidence. Their last outing was a resounding 4-1 win against Cremonese in Serie A, showcasing their attacking prowess. Key players like Moise Kean are expected to return to the starting lineup, adding further strength to their offensive capabilities.

On the other hand, Raków Częstochowa faces an uphill battle. Despite their impressive run in the Conference League, they have never reached a UEFA quarter-final. Their top scorer, Lamine Diaby-Fadiga, has netted six goals in twelve games, but the team recently stumbled, losing 3-1 against Górnik Zabrze in the Ekstraklasa. This defeat could weigh heavily on their morale as they prepare for this crucial encounter.

In the first leg, Raków’s Jonatan Braut Brunes managed to score, providing a glimmer of hope for the Polish side. However, they will need to capitalize on every opportunity in the return leg to overturn the aggregate score. The match kicks off at 18:45 CET, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their team.

Raków’s lineup will include players such as Zych, Tudor, Racovitan, Svarnas, Ameyaw, Repka, Struski, Jean Carlos, Makuch, Brunes, and Ivi Lopez. Each player will need to perform at their peak to challenge Fiorentina’s defense. Meanwhile, Fiorentina’s squad will feature Christensen, Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Parisi, Ndour, Fagioli, Harrison, Kean, and Fazzini, all of whom are capable of turning the tide in their favor.

The stakes are high for both teams. Raków Częstochowa, having impressed in the Conference League so far, finished second in the league phase and won the Polish title in 2023. This match represents not only a chance for glory but also a pivotal moment in their European journey. Can they break through the barriers that have historically held them back?

As the match approaches, anticipation builds. Will Raków Częstochowa rise to the occasion and secure a place in the quarter-finals, or will Fiorentina maintain their lead and advance? Details remain unconfirmed, but the outcome of this clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football fans.

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“Paolo Vanoli’s gone with a surprising number of starters in this one,” remarked an observer ahead of the crucial match. Fiorentina will face Raków Częstochowa in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, Italy, on March 12, 2026.

Fiorentina, currently struggling with a downward trend, has recorded two defeats and a draw in their last three matches. The team scraped through to this stage after a narrow 5-4 aggregate victory against Jagiellonia. Coach Paolo Vanoli will need to rally his squad, especially with key players like Moise Kean, Marin Pongracic, and Manor Solomon sidelined.

Despite these challenges, Fiorentina has sold approximately 6,000 tickets for home fans and 300 for Polish supporters, indicating strong local interest in the match. The starting XI includes notable players such as Oliver Christensen, Niccolò Fortini, and Jacopo Fazzini, who are expected to step up in the absence of their injured teammates.

On the other side, Raków Częstochowa, under the guidance of coach Łukasz Tomczyk, finished second in the Conference League opening phase. They have proven to be a formidable opponent, with Jonatan Braut Brunes scoring an impressive 20 goals this season and Lamine Diaby-Fadiga contributing six goals in the Conference League.

“They are above all else solid, conceding just two goals in those six league phase matches,” a source noted, highlighting Raków’s defensive strength. This resilience will be tested against a Fiorentina side eager to capitalize on any opportunities.

The match is set to kick off at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET), and both teams will be looking to secure a vital advantage in this knockout stage. As Fiorentina aims to harness the talents of Roberto Piccoli and Jacopo Fazzini, they hope to inspire a turnaround in their recent form.

With the stakes high and both teams possessing their strengths, the encounter promises to be an exciting clash in the UEFA Conference League. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups, but anticipation continues to build among fans.

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