Pioli: ‘Dzeko is ready for Fiorentina, different to Kean’

Fiorentina travel to the Conference League decider holding a 3-0 first-leg lead and Edin Dzeko is set to start with Moise Kean suspended. Punters may back Fiorentina to progress outright or take a -1.5 aggregate handicap; Dzeko anytime scorer markets also look attractive given his expected role in a neutral-venue tie.

Fiorentina hold commanding 3-0 lead as Dzeko set to lead attack

Stefano Pioli has confirmed Edin Dzeko is "ready" to lead Fiorentina in Thursday’s Conference League play-off decider against Polissya after a 3-0 first-leg advantage. Moise Kean, who scored and was sent off in the opening meeting, is suspended, clearing the path for Dzeko to start at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia.

Match details and neutral-venue twist

The return leg kicks off on Thursday at 19:00 UK time (18:00 GMT). With the Stadio Artemio Franchi undergoing reconstruction, the fixture will be played at Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium — a neutral setting that slightly alters home advantage dynamics.

Pioli on tactics and squad balance

Pioli underlined Dzeko’s qualities: "He is a different type of centre-forward to Kean, but tomorrow he can both manoeuvre with his teammates dropping deeper and hold up the ball at different times. We can do a bit of everything." The coach signalled rotation given the congested schedule, stressing the need to find the right team balance.

Injury and registration update

New signing Roberto Piccoli is not yet registered for the Conference League and will have to wait for his debut. Pioli praised his characteristics, noting Piccoli "can hold up the ball and get into the box" and has the right attitude to integrate into the squad.

Transfer saga: Comuzzo and squad disruption

Defender Pietro Comuzzo reportedly rejected a €35m offer from Al-Hilal shortly before the decider. Pioli admitted the late transfer speculation affected Comuzzo in recent days but insisted the squad remains focused on the game.

Form and immediate priorities

Fiorentina began their Serie A campaign with a 1-1 draw at Cagliari and cannot afford complacency despite the cushion. Pioli warned players to be "on our toes, especially at the start" and emphasised studying opponents and adapting quickly in European ties.

Betting and tactical implications

With Kean suspended and Dzeko to spearhead the attack, Fiorentina are favorites to progress. The 3-0 first-leg lead and neutral venue suggest conservative game management from the visitors; markets to consider include Fiorentina to advance outright, an aggregate handicap like -1.5 for Fiorentina, and Dzeko as an anytime scorer given his expected starting role.

Stefano Pioli insists Edin Dzeko is ‘ready’ to lead the Fiorentina attack in the Conference...

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