Eagles Prepare for Fiorentina Encounter After Extended Break

Extended Layoff Ahead of Key Matchup

The Eagles will not participate in any competitive matches before their quarter-final clash against struggling Serie A side Fiorentina in the Conference League. This encounter is set to take place at Selhurst Park on April 9, following the team’s recent victory over Larnaca, which required extra time to secure a spot in the next stage.

The team now faces a 21-day hiatus between competitive fixtures.

Coach’s Strategy for the Break

Head coach Glasner plans to utilize this downtime effectively, organizing a friendly match to maintain the team’s momentum in preparation for the upcoming game.

Reflecting on the recent success against Larnaca, Glasner expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s a significant milestone for us. We are eager to make the most of this three-week period before facing Fiorentina at Selhurst Park.”

He also mentioned, “Our players will take a few days off before joining their national teams, and then we will prepare for the friendly to stay in rhythm.”

Anticipation for Player Returns

Glasner is hopeful about the return of key player Eddie Nketiah, stating, “I expect him back, which will be crucial as we enter a demanding schedule leading to the season’s conclusion, and hopefully, we can continue advancing in Europe.”

Fiorentina: A Challenging Opponent

The upcoming match against Fiorentina presents a tough challenge for the Eagles. The Italian club finished as runners-up in the Conference League in both 2022 and 2023 but may have other concerns as they fight to avoid relegation from Serie A.

Fiorentina successfully overcame Rakow Czestochowa with a 4-2 aggregate score to reach this stage of the tournament.

This clash will mark only the second-ever meeting between the two teams, the first coming back in May 1973 when they played to a 2-2 draw in the Anglo-Italian Cup.