Why Fiorentina will win the Conference League and make it a double for Italy!

On Wednesday, 29 May, Fiorentina will face Olympiacos in their second consecutive Conference League final. We think La Viola will follow in Atalanta's footsteps and win their first European trophy since the 1960/61 Cup Winners' Cup. Here's why.

Although many matches are decided by individual flashes of magic, football is still a team sport, something Fiorentina seem to be more aware of than any other team. They showed that in their semi-final against Club Brugge, where they overpowered their opponent and the danger came from all directions, while keeping things collectively closed at the back.

The Tuscans no longer have big stars in their team like they used to. Don't look for players like Rui Costa or Gabriel Batistuta, instead, Fiorentina are a strong unit, going the extra mile to get the three points, or in this case, a European trophy.

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However, every team needs a player who can make a difference. In the case of Fiorentina, it is Nicolas Gonzalez, the 26-year-old Argentinian winger for the Tuscans.

Gonzalez has scored 15 goals so far this season, four of them in Europe, per Transfermarkt. When the going gets tough against Olympiacos, the left-footed winger should be able to open the scoring for the Italians thanks to his dribbling, pace and good finishing.

While Olympiacos venture into uncharted territory, contesting their first European final, per UEFA, Fiorentina are back to where they were last season, when they lost the Conference League final to West Ham. This makes Fiorentina the more experienced team in this situation, and should give the Italians a slight advantage over their opponents.

Moreover, Fiorentina are in a good European form "and go into their sixth UEFA final on a club record 13-game unbeaten run in Europe," UEFA writes.

After beating Aston Villa in the semi-finals, Olympiacos might well have become favourites to lift the trophy. However, Atalanta have shown in the Europa League that anything is possible for an underdog with good tactics and dedication.

Hopefully, Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano has watched the Europa League final closely and will apply some of the high-pressing football tactics that Gian Piero Gasperini used to turn Atalanta into a ruthless machine. In their semi-final clash against Club Brugge, Fiorentina showed that they can suffocate their opponents with high pressing and create a lot of chances, a tactic that Olympiacos could struggle with.

Will Fiorentina prevail in their second consecutive Conference League final? Let us know in the comments!

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