Fiorentina To Channel Last Year's Defeat Into Strength At Europa Conference League Final

Vincenzo Italiano has urged Fiorentina to channel their disappointment from last year's Europa Conference League final defeat as motivation against Olympiacos on Wednesday. Fiorentina narrowly lost the 2023 final in Prague to West Ham, conceding a decisive goal in the 90th minute, which dashed their hopes of lifting the trophy.

The Viola had an unbeaten run leading up to the final, overcoming Club Brugge 4-3 on aggregate to secure their place for the second consecutive year. Despite last year's setback, Italiano remains optimistic that his team can leverage their past experiences to secure victory this time.

"The only thing that's different is that we've already experienced certain things," Italiano stated during a press conference ahead of Wednesday's final. "We have a bit of experience; we carry that with us and tomorrow we have to show it. We can't make any mistakes; we must stay alert and focused. Last year we didn't have a good ending. We'll bring that bitterness to make it end differently."

It's Europa Conference League final week! #UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/iXNWXGNKWE

— UEFA Europa Conference League (@europacnfleague) May 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Olympiacos are aiming to become the first Greek side to win a European trophy. Jose Luis Mendilibar, who led Sevilla to Europa League victory last season, took over Olympiacos in February and will be guiding the team in their home city of Athens for the final.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Mendilibar emphasized consistency in their approach. "We have to stay calm and relaxed and do what got us to the final. To change anything would be a mistake. We have to treat this game like any other because that's how we managed to get to the final," he said.

Mendilibar reflected on their journey through Europe, facing various opponents under different circumstances. "At times we were favourites, and then underdogs again. There are so many different moments and I think we could call it a marathon, and now we've reached the end," he added.

The anticipation for this match is high as both teams seek redemption and historic achievements. Fiorentina aims to turn past disappointments into triumph, while Olympiacos looks to etch their name in European football history.