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Olympiacos vs Fiorentina: Where the Europa Conference League Final Could Be Won and Lost

As the 2023/24 UEFA Europa Conference League final between Olympiacos and Fiorentina approaches, anticipation builds in Athens. UEFA.com reporters Vassiliki Papantonopoulou and Fabio Balaudo delve into the pivotal factors that could determine the victor of this thrilling contest.

Second Time's a Charm

Fiorentina’s experience from last year’s final loss to West Ham may serve them well. Coach Vincenzo Italiano highlights the critical importance of maintaining focus in such high-stakes games: “The slightest lapse in concentration can be fatal; you have to be perfect.” The memory of that narrow defeat and the lessons learned could give Fiorentina a psychological edge, especially in the early stages of the match.

The El Kaabi Threat

Olympiacos’ star striker Ayoub El Kaabi has been a revelation, scoring 32 goals this season, with 15 of those in European competitions. His remarkable efficiency in front of goal, with ten goals from just 23 attempts in the Conference League knockout rounds, underscores his lethal finishing ability. Fiorentina’s defense will need to be at their best to contain El Kaabi, whose prowess on counterattacks and in wide areas makes him a constant threat.

Racking Up the Chances

Fiorentina’s attacking statistics highlight a contrasting issue: prolific chance creation but poor conversion. Despite having 251 attempts on goal in their 12 matches, they have struggled to convert opportunities, with a conversion rate of less than one in ten. Their 30+ shots hitting the woodwork illustrate their ongoing frustration. Converting chances will be crucial if Fiorentina hope to overcome Olympiacos.

Viola Spread Their Wings

Fiorentina’s dynamic wing play could be decisive. Wingers Nicolás González, Christian Kouamé, and Jonathan Ikoné are adept at exploiting space and unsettling defenses. Their ability to switch between wide play and cutting inside creates opportunities for overlapping full-backs, making them difficult to defend against. Olympiacos must be vigilant to prevent the Viola’s wing attacks from breaking through.

Confident, Motivated, At Home

Olympiacos have every reason to be confident. Playing in their home city and reaching their first senior UEFA final in their 99-year history provides immense motivation. Their semi-final victory over Aston Villa, combined with the strategic acumen of José Luis Mendilibar, who guided Sevilla to Europa League glory last year, sets the stage for a potential historic triumph. The support of their home crowd and the momentum from previous successes could be pivotal.

Conclusion

The UEFA Europa Conference League final between Olympiacos and Fiorentina promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams possessing unique strengths and vulnerabilities. Fiorentina’s experience and attacking width will clash with Olympiacos’ home advantage and the predatory instincts of El Kaabi. The outcome will hinge on who can best leverage their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses in this high-stakes showdown. As the clock ticks down to kickoff in Athens, football fans around the world eagerly await what promises to be a memorable finale.

Source: UEFA