Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Match preview and team news
Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Match preview and team news Crystal Palace make club history tonight as they welcome Fiorentina to Selhurst Park for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final. The Eagles have moved into their first-ever major European quarter-final following a hard-fought 2–1 aggregate victory over AEK Larnaca in the Round of 16. Manager Oliver Glasner oversees a squad that has shown remarkable resolve in continental competition, remaining unbeaten in Europe this season.
Palace sit 14th in the Premier League but see this tournament as a unique opportunity to secure their first major piece of silverware. Fiorentina, meanwhile, travel to South London with significant European pedigree, having reached the final of this competition in both 2023 and 2024. Under coach Paolo Vanoli, the Viola have found form at the right time, entering this tie following a Serie A win over Hellas Verona.
They reached the last eight by defeating Raków Częstochowa 4–2 on aggregate. Notably, this is the first competitive meeting between these two sides, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter. Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Match preview and team news Date: Thursday, 9 April 2026 Kick-off: 20:00 BST Venue: Selhurst Park, London Referee: Donatas Rumšas (LTU) VAR: Pol van Boekel (NED) Last Meeting: First competitive meeting Team news Crystal Palace The Eagles suffered a late double blow ahead of tonight’s clash.
Notably, Eddie Nketiah is ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury in the final minutes of Wednesday’s training session. Consequently, Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to lead the line. Adam Wharton is fit to feature in midfield after a minor knock during the international break.
Dean Henderson also returns to the starting eleven after missing the last two matches through illness. Fiorentina The visitors are without their leading goalscorer, Moise Kean, who is struggling with a tibia injury. Furthermore, Fabiano Parisi and Manor Solomon are also unavailable for the trip to London.