Fiorentina vs Raków Częstochowa: Key Matchup in the Conference League
“Fiorentina believe Roberto Piccoli and Jacopo Fazzini can inspire them in the Conference League Round of 16 with Polish side Raków Częstochowa,” a club spokesperson stated ahead of the match.
Scheduled for March 12, 2026, at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET), the match will take place at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, Italy. Fiorentina enters this fixture after narrowly advancing to the Round of 16 with a 5-4 aggregate win over Jagiellonia.
However, the team faces significant challenges, as they will be without suspended defender Marin Pongracic and injured forward Moise Kean. This absence could impact their attacking options against a resilient Raków side.
Fiorentina’s recent form has been concerning, with two defeats and a 0-0 draw against Parma in their last three matches. Their starting XI for the upcoming match includes goalkeeper Oliver Christensen and key players such as David De Gea and Jacopo Fazzini.
On the other hand, Raków Częstochowa finished second in the Conference League opening phase, boasting four victories and two draws. Their top scorer, Lamine Diaby-Fadiga, has netted six goals in the tournament, while Jonatan Braut Brunes has been prolific this season with 20 goals across all competitions.
Despite the challenges, Fiorentina’s coach Paolo Vanoli has opted for a surprising number of starters, indicating a strong intent to secure a victory at home.
Ticket sales reflect a modest turnout, with approximately 6,000 tickets sold for home fans and around 300 for Polish supporters making the trip to Florence. “Don’t expect much of a crowd,” noted a club representative.
As the match approaches, Fiorentina’s reliance on Piccoli and Fazzini to deliver in crucial moments will be paramount. The outcome of this clash could significantly influence their trajectory in the tournament.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the squad or tactical adjustments. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Fiorentina aims to overcome their recent struggles against a determined Raków Częstochowa side.