On Palace’s hopes of channelling the energy of tonight’s sell-out stadium during the first leg, Johnson added: “I think the home advantage is massive. Selhurst Park is an unbelievable stadium and it can generate a really good atmosphere.
“If we can play the way we want to, and get the crowd up for it, I think it's a massive advantage, and hopefully we can take confidence from that to give us the best chance to get a great result.”
Johnson reiterated that he and his teammates are well aware of the threat that Fiorentina, with their impressive track record in this competition, pose.
The Italian team have, however, struggled in Serie A this season, sitting bottom for much of the campaign – albeit having recently won six, and drawn four, of their 13 league matches in 2026 to move five points clear of the relegation zone.
Johnson’s assessment of _La Viola_ was: “I think they're a good team. We've watched many clips. They’re a well-organised team. As the Manager \[Oliver Glasner\] said, they haven't conceded many.
“It's going to be a difficult game. I think from the clips that we've watched, they’re really well-organised, really defensively strong, but also have some quality in attack.
“I think when it comes to the quarter-finals, the teams are strong and you can't expect an easy game.
“Overall, in every aspect of their game, and as they've showed in the league form recently, they're a really good team and I think it's going to be a tough game – but one we're excited for.”