The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a 2-1 Primeira Liga win over Maritimo on Sunday, while Fiorentina suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Juventus in the Serie A, on the same day.
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Braga will host Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa Conference League knockout round playoff tie at Estadio Municipal de Braga on Thursday evening. The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a 2-1 Primeira Liga win over Maritimo on Sunday, while Fiorentina suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Juventus in the Serie A, on the same day. Braga are currently occupying third spot in the Portuguese top flight standings, having collected 46 points from 20 games, seven adrift of leaders Benfica. The visitors, meanwhile, are languishing at the 14th position in the Italian top flight table, with just 24 points to their name from 22 outings.
We see you, @europacnfleague 👀#UECL pic.twitter.com/d3tB2YYNOk
— SC Braga (@SCBragaOficial) February 15, 2023
Braga had dropped down to the Conference League after finishing third in Group D of the Europa League. The Portuguese outfit got the better of Malmo 2-1 in their final group stage fixture in November, and finished with 10 points from six games, just two adrift of second-placed Union Berlin, who went through to the Europa League playoff. Meanwhile, when it comes to the Primeira Liga, the Archbishops have been in stunning form, winning six of their last seven matches, and that includes a 3-0 thrashing of leaders Benfica. Last time out, Artur Jorge’s side came from behind to get the better of Maritino, thanks to first-half efforts from Simon Banza and Uros Racic. It was their 15th league-win of the campaign.
Fiorentina, on the other hand, are going through a torrid period, having lost four of their last five Serie A games. Last time out, Adrien Rabiot’s lone goal four minutes into the half-hour mark, handed the Viola’s their 10th Serie A-defeat of the season. Despite their poor run of form in the league, Fiorentina have done pretty well in the Cup tournaments, reaching the last four of the Coppa Italia and entering the knockout round playoff at the continental stage. Vincezo Italiano’s side secured second spot in Group A of the Conference League to progress to the knockout round playoff. Their final group-fixture against RFS ended in a dominant 3-0 win courtesy of first-half efforts from Antonin Barak, Arthur Cabral and Riccardo Sapponara.
Braga boss Jorge near fully fit squad at his disposal. Therefore the Portuguese tactician is unlikley to make too many alterations to the side that started in the win over Maritimo last time out. Simon Banza might lead the line, with Andre Horta, Pizzi and Alvaro Djalo in support. As for Fiorentina, Antonio Barak is out with a stomach bug, while the rest of the squad is fit and ready to go. Moroccan footballer Amrabat is likely to sit in front of the back-four, while Luka Jovic might spearhead the attack.
Braga Probable line-up: Matheus, Gomez, Oliveira, Niakate, Borja, Castro, Racic, Pizzi, Horta, Djalo, Banza
Fiorentina probable line-up: Terracciano, Dodo, Milenkovic, Igor, Biraghi, Bonaventura, Amrabat, Castrovilli, Gonzalez, Jovic, Ikone
Braga
| Opponents | Score |
| Maritimo | 1-2 (W) |
| Benfica | 2-1 (W) |
| Familicao | 4-1 (W) |
| Sporting CP | 5-0 (L) |
| Pacos Ferreira | 1-2 (W) |
Fiorentina
| Opponents | Score |
| Juventus | 1-0 (L) |
| Bologna | 1-2 (L) |
| Torino | 2-1 (W) |
| Lazio | 1-1 (D) |
| Torino | 0-1 (L) |
The Europa Conference League match between Braga and Fiorentina will take place at Estádio Municipal de Braga on Thursday at 11:15 pm IST.
| Braga vs Fiorentina | key Details |
| Date | February 16 |
| venue | Estádio Municipal de Braga |
| Kickoff time in Portugal | 5:45 pm |
| Kickoff time in Italy | 6:45 pm |
| Kickoff time in India | 11:15 pm |
The live telecast of the Europa Conference League match between Braga and Fiorentina can be seen on Sky Go Italia, DAZN, NOW TV, Sky Sport 253 and Sky Sport Football in Italy. Meanwhile, those in Portugal can catch the live action via Sport TV Multiscreen and Sport TV1.
