The focus is firmly on Crystal Palace over in Florence, as Fiorentina prepare to take on the Eagles in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League quarter-final on Thursday.
Oliver Glasner welcomes Paolo Vanoli to Selhurst Park for the historic fixture, in which Crystal Palace could put one foot in the semi-final of a European competition for the first time ever.
Ahead of the clash, let’s take a look at what the likes of Gazzetta dello Sport and Calciomercato have been saying about Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace receiving plenty of respect from Italy as Moise Kean news emerges
We begin with Il Messaggero, who believe this fixture is good enough to be the showpiece event of the UEFA Conference League – describing the game as a “true early final” while also calling Selhurst Park a “cauldron” of a stadium.
Gazzetta dello Sport then describe Crystal Palace as “the strongest” of the eight clubs remaining in the competition, but warn Glasner that Fiorentina are improving and can put more focus on Europe after moving away from the Serie A relegation zone with a 1-0 win over Verona on Saturday.
Fiorentina are now unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions, including four wins and a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan.
While that is a concern for Crystal Palace, the chances of a win have increased as Moise Kean is expected to miss the game – which Donatas Rumsas will referee – through injury, according to Calciomercato.
Moise Kean poses for a UEFA headshot
Photo by Mattia Ozbot – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
The former Everton striker has been a talismanic figure for La Viola this term with nine goals and four assists in 33 appearances, so while we do not wish injury on anybody, it is undoubtedly a boost for Glasner if the Italian is sidelined.
Calciomercato add that Manor Solomon – who Crystal Palace tried to sign last summer – and Fabiano Parisi will also be absent.
It is sure to be a special occasion when the Italian giants come to Selhurst Park. Hopefully, Glasner – who is still without Eddie Nketiah – can secure a victory before the second leg in Florence next week.