It feels like an age since we have been to see the Eagles in action, with the last game taking place in Cyprus, the result of which sees us right here.
A European quarter final tie against an Italian side is one that many had hoped to see at some point during the Conference League, the first time Palace have played Fiorentina.
Whether or not the enforced break in the season for the hosts proves to be beneficial or not, Oliver Glasner was clear in his pre-match press conference that they have done everything they can to prepare for the biggest two games of the season so far.
With the break including international fixtures, there will always be a concern players will return to club duty fully fit. Thankfully, while Adam Wharton picked up a knock on England duty, it has been managed sufficiently to see him fit for this first leg.
The only injury concern is Eddie Nketiah who felt his hamstring at the end of the final training session and will not play any part – will this guy ever get a break?
The significance of this two legged tie cannot be overstated and Palace fans have responded by selling out the old stadium in quick time.
While our opponents are European veterans, they have been struggling this season domestically and are currently looking to escape being involved in a relegation battle. The side from Florence have not been relegated from Serie A since the 2001/02 season.
On a personal level, this fixture will be a tough one, as is pulling this match preview together. Words have failed me this past week and this fixture will be the first since my father sadly passed away. He is the reason that I became a Crystal Palace fan and there is no doubt that he will be looking down on Selhurst Park on Thursday evening.
There is nothing more poignant for me right now than the chant ‘When I was a young boy, my father said to me….’
🦅 Match Details
UEFA Europa Conference League – Quarter-final, First Leg
📅 Thursday 9 April 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 20:00 BST
🏟 Venue: Selhurst Park
📺 UK TV: TNT Sports 3
🔎 Context & Stakes
Crystal Palace step into uncharted territory as they host Fiorentina in the first European quarter-final in the club’s history. Oliver Glasner’s side are bidding to continue a memorable continental run and take control of the tie before next week’s return leg in Florence.
Fiorentina, by contrast, are Conference League veterans, reaching at least the semi-finals in each of the last three editions. Twice beaten finalists (2023 and 2024), the Viola arrive in London desperate to avoid more European heartbreak—and fully comfortable in high‑pressure knockout ties.
📉 Domestic Form Snapshot
- Crystal Palace: 14th in the Premier League
- Fiorentina: 15th in Serie A
Both clubs have endured inconsistent domestic campaigns, but Europe has offered a welcome escape. Palace are unbeaten in their last six Conference League matches, while Fiorentina come into the game on a six‑match unbeaten run in all competitions.
🛣️ Route to the Quarter-finals
Crystal Palace
- Beat AEK Larnaca 2–1 after extra time in the last 16
- Needed resilience and patience, with Ismaïla Sarr scoring both goals in Cyprus
- Unbeaten in 6 Conference League games this season
Fiorentina
- Defeated Raków Częstochowa 2–1 on aggregate
- Controlled both legs efficiently, drawing on their European experience
- Have lost just one of their last 11 matches in all competitions
🧠 Tactical Overview
Palace are at their best when transitioning quickly. Glasner’s side typically operate with wing‑backs pushing high, seeking to isolate defenders and release Sarr or Mateta early. Home form has been mixed, but Palace often raise their level on big European nights.
Fiorentina are more possession‑focused, aiming to control tempo through midfield rotations. They’ll be comfortable conceding territory early, knowing the tie is decided over two legs. Expect them to prioritise staying compact and taking a manageable scoreline back to Florence.
🏥 Team News
Crystal Palace
- ❌ Eddie Nketiah – out (hamstring)
- ✅ Adam Wharton – fit after minor England knock
- ✅ Dean Henderson – expected to return in goal
- ⚠️ Jørgen Strand Larsen – suspended (yellow cards)
With Strand Larsen sidelined, Jean‑Philippe Mateta is likely to lead the line.
Fiorentina
- ❌ Moise Kean – ruled out (tibia injury)
- ❌ Manor Solomon, Fabiano Parisi – unavailable
- ⚠️ Several fitness checks but no further major absences
Kean’s absence is significant—he is Fiorentina’s leading scorer this season and his omission eases Palace’s defensive task.
👀 Players to Watch
- Ismaïla Sarr (Palace): Five Conference League goals; devastating on the break and Palace’s biggest threat
- Adam Wharton (Palace): Key to controlling midfield tempo and launching transitions
- Cher Ndour (Fiorentina): Energetic, goal‑capable midfielder who links play well in transition
- Albert Guðmundsson (Fiorentina): Creative spark and set‑piece threat, especially with Kean absent
Officials
- Referee: Donatas Rumsas (LTU)
- Assistants: Aleksandr Radius (LTU), Dovydas Suziedelis (LTU)
- Fourth official: Manfredas Lukjancukas (LTU)
- VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
- Assistant VAR: Erwin Blank (NED)
📊 Key Match Facts
- First-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs
- Palace’s first European quarter-final
- Fiorentina have won 10 of their last 11 European quarter-finals
- Selhurst Park is sold out for the occasion
🔮 Outlook
Palace’s energy, rest advantage and Selhurst Park atmosphere give them a genuine chance to take a lead into the second leg — but Fiorentina’s composure and knockout experience make them awkward opponents.
A tight first leg feels inevitable. Palace will want to press their advantage early, while Fiorentina will be content to keep things close and finish the job in Florence.
