Fiorentina Advances Conference League Group Stage, Draws Mainz, Dynamo Kyiv, Rapid Wien

Fiorentina has secured their place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League after overcoming Polissya Zhytomyr with a 6-2 aggregate score in the playoffs. The Italian club, led by Stefano Pioli, will face Rapid Wien, Dynamo Kyiv, Mainz, AEK Athens, Sigma Olomouc, and Lausanne-Sport in the group stage, avoiding tougher opponents like AZ Alkmaar and Crystal Palace. Despite a challenging second leg where Polissya took an early lead, Fiorentina rallied in the second half with key contributions from players like Robin Gosens and Edin Dzeko to secure a 3-2 win in that match. This marks Fiorentina's fourth consecutive season in the Conference League, having reached the final twice in 2023 and 2024 and the semifinals last season. The team showed resilience after a difficult first half in the playoff match, with strategic substitutions and improved play ensuring their advancement. UEFA will release the schedule for the group stage fixtures soon.