Braga vs Fiorentina prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-02-15 17:45.
Despite a respectable return of ten points from six games in their UEFA Europa League (UEL) group, it wasn’t enough to prevent Braga slumping to a transfer into the Europa Conference League (UECL). This clash against Fiorentina represents a competition debut for Braga, but it may not be a warm welcome to the UECL given they’re winless in their last five games against Italian opposition in UEFA competition (D2, L3).
With this game coming at home though, there’s always a chance that Braga could put an end to that run given they’ve won seven of their last nine European home matches (D1, L1). In fact, Braga’s last seven home games in all competitions have all ended in victory, and with their last three European home knockout games bearing a clean sheet for the Archbishops, one goal may be enough to answer their prayers here.
Without a win on the road in 2023 (D1, L2), Fiorentina likely won’t be traveling in a buoyant mood, but as they’re enjoying European football for the first time since 2016/17, there’s added incentive to prolong their stay in this tournament. La Viola have done well on their European return as well, winning the last four games of their group stage campaign by an aggregate 13-2 scoreline to snatch second place in Group A.
Three of those four wins saw Fiorentina net either side of half-time, and with four successive clean sheets against Portuguese opposition (W3, D1), displaying more of that attacking prowess could see them take a first leg advantage back to Florence. Things may not be that straightforward though, with boss Vincenzo Italiano growing “irritated” by his side’s wasteful nature in front of goal amidst their Serie A struggles.
Players to watch: Having lost Vitinha, who was the UEL’s joint-top group stage scorer, to Marseille, Braga may look to Ricardo Horta for inspiration given they have won all eight games in which he has scored this season. More an architect than a finisher, Fiorentina’s creator-in-chief Christian Kouamé provided more assists in the UECL group stage (five) than any other player.
Hot stat: Fiorentina averaged 6.5 shots on target per game in the UECL group, a competition high.