Fiorentina face major dilemma ahead of Europa Conference League final and it could work in West Ham’s favour.
West Ham will play Italian side Fiorentina in the club’s first European final for 47 years in just over two weeks.
With the Premier League clash at Leicester a dead rubber for the Hammers, all eyes are already focusing on the Europa Conference League final on June 7th.
Make no mistake Fiorentina will be the best team West Ham have faced in this season’s European competition.
Those who do not follow Serie A should not be fooled by Fiorentina’s position in midtable.
La Viola have focused on Europe and the Coppa Italia this season after inconsistent results and performances in the league.
Fiorentina have major dilemma ahead of the Europa Conference League final and it could work in West Ham’s favour
Now Fiorentina have a major dilemma ahead of the Europa Conference League final and it could work in West Ham’s favour.
On Wednesday night West Ham’s final opponents will take on Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia final.
It is their chance to lift a first major trophy in 22 years – since winning the same competition back in 2001.
West Ham fans of a certain age will remember Fiorentina as European regulars with the likes of Gabriel Batistuta and Rui Costa in their side.
But West Ham actually tasted European glory more recently than their final foes. The Hammers won the European Cup Winners Cup back in 1965. Fiorentina won the same competition four years prior in 1961.
La Viola have double chance but either outcome could benefit Hammers
So they will have to give their all and play their best side in a very intense match against Inter on Wednesday night.
Another sub-plot which could benefit David Moyes’ side are the Europa League stakes.
The winners of the Conference League qualify for next season’s Europa League. And so do the winners of the Coppa Italia.
Should Fiorentina beat Inter to lift the cup they will already be in the Europa League and it may take the edge off their hunger and determination when the final rolls around.
Should they lose, then it may have the opposite impact – piling the pressure on Vincenzo Italiano and his side to beat West Ham and qualify. Particularly after a disappointing league campaign.
Last week we reported on Hammers News about trouble in the Fiorentina camp. There was disharmony between the manager and two star players who were forced to apologise for effectively criticising him on social media.
West Ham will be hoping these factors come into play to give them any slight advantage come June 7th.
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