Fiorentina advanced to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals after a tense 2-2 draw against Slovenian side NK Celje at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, winning 4-3 on aggregate.
Italian forward Moise Kean, of Ivorian descent, scored the decisive goal, marking his 23rd of the season.
The match began with Fiorentina pressing early, but Celje’s goalkeeper Ricardo Silva denied several attempts.
Rolando Mandragora broke the deadlock in the first half, finishing a precise pass from Marin Pongracic. Celje responded in the second half, with Aljoša Matko equalizing in the 54th minute.
They then took the lead through Nemanja Nemanjić, leveling the aggregate score.
Kean’s goal in the closing stages restored Fiorentina’s aggregate lead, ensuring their progression to the semi-finals.
This marks Fiorentina’s third consecutive appearance in the Conference League semi-finals.
Fiorentina’s progression coincided with the 41st birthday of head coach Raffaele Palladino, adding a celebratory note to the hard-fought victory.
The team now looks ahead to the semi-finals, aiming to continue their pursuit of European silverware.
