Football, with its unpredictable twists and turns, often delivers narratives that swing wildly between despair and exhilaration. For ACF Fiorentina, their recent UEFA Conference League playoff return leg against Ukrainian challengers Polissya Zhytomyr was a masterclass in this very phenomenon. What began as a jarring, almost bewildering, first half at the Mapei Stadium – their temporary home in Reggio Emilia due to ongoing renovations at the Stadio Artemio Franchi – morphed into a thrilling display of character and tactical acumen. The 3-2 victory, secured with a dramatic second-half comeback, ultimately sealed their passage to the competition`s lucrative group stage.
UEFA Conference League Playoff: 2nd Leg Summary
- Match: Fiorentina vs. Polissya Zhytomyr
- Date: August 28, 2025
- Venue: Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia (Neutral Ground)
- Final Score (2nd Leg): Fiorentina 3 – 2 Polissya
- Aggregate Score: Fiorentina 6 – 2 Polissya (Fiorentina advances)
- Fiorentina Goal Scorers: Dodô, Luca Ranieri, Edin Džeko
A `Shocking` Start: When a Cushion Becomes a Crutch
Entering the match with a seemingly unassailable 3-0 lead from the first leg, Fiorentina might have been forgiven for a touch of overconfidence. After all, what could possibly go wrong? As it turned out, quite a bit, quite quickly. Barely two minutes had elapsed when a calamitous defensive miscommunication between defender Comuzzo and the experienced goalkeeper David De Gea presented Polissya`s Nazarenko with an open goal. A collective gasp rippled through the stadium as the Ukrainian forward calmly slotted home, making it 1-0 on the night.
The initial shock had barely subsided when Polissya delivered another significant blow. In the 14th minute, Andriyevskiy unleashed a breathtaking left-footed strike from distance that soared into the top corner, leaving De Gea with no chance. The scoreboard now read 2-0 to Polissya, and the aggregate lead, while still in Fiorentina`s favor, had shrunk to a nervous single goal. The Viola, usually commanding, looked disjointed and vulnerable, their attacking efforts faltering against a galvanized Polissya side that sensed an improbable upset.
Pioli`s Pivotal Plays: A Second-Half Turnaround
Whatever words were exchanged in the Fiorentina dressing room during halftime, they certainly resonated. Manager Stefano Pioli wasted no time in making decisive tactical adjustments, introducing Gudmundsson for Ndour and Gosens for Parisi. These substitutions proved to be the catalyst for a remarkable transformation. It`s almost as if bringing on players who are actually adept at, you know, affecting the game, can significantly alter its trajectory. A truly revolutionary concept, that.
The impact was immediate and palpable. Fiorentina emerged for the second half with renewed intensity and purpose. Fazzini came agonizingly close, striking the post early on, a clear signal of their re-ignited ambition. The pressure intensified, and the breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute. Gosens, demonstrating his instant influence, provided a crisp assist for Brazilian defender Dodô, who coolly finished to pull one back for the Viola, making it 2-1 on the night and restoring a more comfortable two-goal aggregate lead.
Džeko`s Debut Strike Seals the Deal
With their confidence visibly soaring, Fiorentina pressed for the equalizer. Just minutes later, from a corner whipped in by Gudmundsson, another Gosens assist found its way to substitute Luca Ranieri. The Italian defender, seizing his opportunity, emphatically fired home with his left foot, leveling the score at 2-2. The initial nightmare had been comprehensively banished, replaced by a crescendo of relief and renewed belief from the Florentine faithful.
And then, the moment many had anticipated: the first goal for veteran striker Edin Džeko in a Fiorentina shirt. Making his debut as a starter for the club, the Bosnian poacher showcased his enduring class. Following another expertly delivered Gudmundsson corner and a header from Pablo Marì that Polissya’s goalkeeper Kudryk could only parry, Džeko was perfectly positioned to tap in the rebound, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory. It was a fitting end to a rollercoaster match, a moment of individual brilliance capping a collective comeback.
Lessons Learned on the Road to Europe
Despite the harrowing start, Fiorentina ultimately navigated the treacherous playoff waters, securing their spot in the UEFA Conference League group stage with a commanding 6-2 aggregate score. This match served as a potent reminder that in the high stakes of European football, even a substantial lead offers no immunity from complacency. Pioli`s squad will undoubtedly dissect the first-half performance, recognizing the critical importance of maintaining unwavering focus and intensity, irrespective of the scoreline or opponent.
As the Viola eagerly await tomorrow`s draw to learn their group stage adversaries, there`s a tangible mix of satisfaction and valuable lessons absorbed. The club can celebrate the attacking resilience shown in the second half, the transformative impact of their substitutes, and, of course, the significant milestone of Džeko`s maiden goal. Yet, the memory of those opening 14 minutes – a stark, cautionary tale – will undoubtedly remain. The Conference League is a demanding arena, but Fiorentina, having emerged from this stern test of character, is now officially ready for the challenge.