Preview: Crystal Palace Hosts Fiorentina in Europa Conference League Clash

LONDON (Interstat) — Crystal Palace will host Italy’s Fiorentina on Thursday in a UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinal first-leg match, a rare European meeting between the Premier League and Serie A sides.

The match at Selhurst Park is scheduled for a 8 p.m. local kickoff.

Fiorentina arrives in south London in strong domestic form, fresh off a 1-0 away victory over Verona in Serie A on Saturday. That result extended their unbeaten run in Italy’s top flight to five matches, a streak that includes a emphatic 4-0 win over AS Roma and a draw with league-leaders Inter Milan. Their recent form, however, has been inconsistent, with a 5-2 loss to Sampdoria on March 27 highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.

Crystal Palace’s European campaign has been on a lengthy hiatus. The Eagles last competed in the competition on Dec. 18, 2025, playing to a 2-2 draw with Finland’s Kuopion Palloseura in the group stage. They finished top of their group, with key wins over AZ Alkmaar and Dynamo Kyiv showcasing their threat at home. Manager Oliver Glasner will hope the extended break and focus on domestic duties have his squad refreshed for the knockout push.

The statistical service Interstat projects a tightly contested 1-1 draw for the first leg.

This match represents a significant step in both clubs’ seasons. For Crystal Palace, it is a chance to advance deeper into a European tournament than ever before. For Fiorentina, it offers a path to a second consecutive continental final after falling in last year’s Europa Conference League title match.

Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano must balance European ambitions with a crowded domestic schedule. Following Thursday’s match, his team faces a quick turnaround with a critical Serie A fixture against Lazio on Monday, April 13, as they push for a top-four finish.

The return leg is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence.