Conference League 2025-2026: Polissya-Fiorentina, the likely lineups

Between Fiorentina and their fourth consecutive participation in the Conference League are the Ukrainians of Polissya. A double challenge that represents the first major examination of the “new” cycle of Stefano Pioli, who has returned to lead the Viola. The goal is clear: to conquer the group stage of a competition that has seen the Tuscans always protagonists, with two finals and a semifinal in the last three seasons.

Polissya, coached by Ruslan Rotan, is not a top opponent on the European scene, but it should not be underestimated: last year they finished fourth in the league and in the previous round they eliminated the Magyars of Paksi (3-0 at home, 1-2 away). Due to well-known geopolitical events, the first leg match will be played on a neutral field in Presov, Slovakia, with the return set for next Thursday at the Stadio Franchi in Florence. There is no official history between the two teams.

Florentin starts again with Pioli, who seems oriented to an ambitious eleven: space from 1′ for Kean and Dzeko in the offensive pair, supported by the imagination of Gudmundsson. Comuzzo and Ranieri are confirmed in defense, with Pongracic ahead of Pablo Marí to complete the trio in front of De Gea. Dodo and Gosens will act on the outsides, with Sohm and Fagioli in the middle.

Probable lineups:

Polissya (4-3-3): Volynets; Kravchenko, Sarapiy, Beskorovanynyi, Krushynskyi; Andryievski, Babenko, Lednev; Gutsulyak, Filippov, Nazarenko. Coach: Rotan

Fiorentina (3-4-1-2): De Gea; Comuzzo, Pongracic, Ranieri; Dodo, Sohm, Fagioli, Gosens; Gudmundsson; Kean, Dzeko. Coach: Pioli