Fiorentina manager Paolo Vanoli thinks Crystal Palace are the favourites to win the Europa Conference League. The Italian spoke ahead of tonight’s quarter-final first-leg meeting between the two sides.
Palace have been installed as favourites with the bookies to win their first European trophy. But a bumpy league phase saw Oliver Glasner’s men fail to claim automatic progress to the knockout stages.
A 3-1 win on aggregate over Mostar in the play-offs clinched a place in the Round of 16. The South Londoners then got past the best defensive team in the competition, AEK Larnaca, to book their place in the quarters.
Vanoli Wary of Crystal Palace
Fiorentina’s route has similarly been full of twists and turns, and Vanoli’s men finished way down in 15th in the table. But the Serie A side, struggling domestically, saw off Jagiellonia Białystok in the play-offs and then Rakow in the last 16.
Vanoli is aware of the test that awaits his Viola side and reckons they face the team to beat in the Conference League. He told reporters when asked if the Eagles are the favourites (via Football Italia):
“Yes, I think so, they are coming off an FA Cup victory. We must play with personality and lucidity. It is a beautiful test and we will measure our growth as a team.”
Palace aren’t quite on the same side as the team that won the FA Cup last season, having lost Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze. But Glasner’s side are still expected to prevail against Fiorentina over the course of two legs.
Vanoli Hails ‘Proven’ Glasner
Glasner is heading into his final two months in charge at Palace before he leaves once his contract expires. His focus is on ending his history-making reign by delivering yet another major trophy.
Vanoli spoke highly of the Eagles boss before their encounter tonight. He clearly respects the Austrian’s accomplishments:
“Glasner has already proven himself in Europe, his team is organised and you can see his footballing ideas trace back to his days at Salzburg. Now he is managing in the Premier League, the strongest league in the world. I experienced it personally with Chelsea. This must be a source of pride for us after the whole season we have had.”
Glasner replaced Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park back in early 2024. He’s since overseen 48 wins and 30 defeats in 108 games, including the famous FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
