Fiorentina vs Real Betis: Europa Conference League Semi-Final Preview

The Viola must overturn a 2-1 deficit after falling short in Seville last week. In a lively first leg at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Fiorentina were rocked by an early setback, conceding within six minutes, and found themselves two goals down just past the hour mark courtesy of strikes from Abde Ezzalzouli and Antony. However, captain Luca Ranieri’s crucial reply late in the game kept the Italians within striking distance and maintained hope of a turnaround in Florence.

Despite last week's loss continuing Fiorentina’s winless streak against Spanish sides in UEFA semi-finals—now at five matches—they have demonstrated resilience in this competition. Earlier this season, they overcame a first-leg deficit to defeat Panathinaikos 3-1 at home in the round of 16, part of a perfect record in their 12 previous two-legged Conference League ties. However, Raffaele Palladino’s men enter the match on the back of successive defeats, having also been edged out 1-0 by Roma in Serie A last weekend—a result that severely dented their hopes of a top-four finish.

Real Betis, meanwhile, have made history by reaching the semi-finals of a European competition for the first time. They arrive in Florence full of confidence after extending their unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions, thanks to a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Espanyol at the weekend. Antony, fresh from his goal against Fiorentina, netted a last-minute winner, while Giovani Lo Celso also found the back of the net.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side have impressed throughout their Conference League campaign, progressing through the knockout stages with victories over Gent, Vitoria Guimarães, and Jagiellonia Bialystok. The Andalusians have now won four and drawn two of their last six games against Italian opposition and are unbeaten in eight of their last nine Conference League fixtures. Historically, Betis have been reliable in Europe when protecting a first-leg lead, advancing from six of their last eight knockout ties after winning at home in the first leg.

The head-to-head history is limited, but Betis have already underlined their credentials by winning the first-ever meeting between the two sides last week. Notably, Fiorentina’s record against Spanish teams remains patchy (W2 D4 L9), though both of those wins came at home.

Injury-wise, Fiorentina will have skipper Luca Ranieri back in the fold after suspension, replacing Pablo Mari, who is not registered for the competition. Moise Kean and Rolando Mandragora are expected to feature prominently again, with either Albert Gudmundsson or Lucas Beltran likely to partner Kean up front. Dodo, now fully recovered from surgery, is in contention to start, but Danilo Cataldi remains doubtful after sustaining a thigh injury in the first leg.

For Betis, Pellegrini could reinstate Abde Ezzalzouli to the starting XI following his impactful performance in the first leg. Antony is certain to retain his place after his match-winning exploits, while Isco—who has contributed 11 goals and eight assists this season—will play a key creative role. However, Betis remain without Chimy Ávila, Marc Roca, and Diego Llorente, who are all sidelined due to injury.

With Fiorentina looking to extend their proud Conference League pedigree and Betis aiming to reach their first-ever European final, Thursday’s clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter in Florence.