The 2022/23 UEFA Europa Conference League reaches its grand finale with an intriguing showdown between Fiorentina and West Ham United. On 7 June 2023, the Fortuna Arena in Prague will host a contest that pits Italian flair against Premier League grit, with both sides eager to end long waits for European silverware. For Fiorentina, it’s a chance to add to their storied continental history. For West Ham, it’s an opportunity to secure their first major European trophy since 1965 and cap off a season of ups and downs with a night to remember.

Route to the Final

Fiorentina

Vincenzo Italiano’s men have treated this tournament as a playground for attacking football. After topping a tricky group featuring İstanbul Başakşehir, the Viola surged through the knockout rounds with style. They swept past Braga in the knockout play-offs, overcame Sivasspor and Lech Poznań, and edged Basel in a tense semi-final that required an extra-time winner from Antonín Barák. Fiorentina have scored goals for fun, racking up more than any other team in the competition.

West Ham United

For the Hammers, the Conference League has been a welcome escape from Premier League struggles. David Moyes’ side cruised through the group stage with a perfect record, dispatching the likes of Anderlecht and Silkeborg. In the knockouts, they showed maturity and resilience, beating AEK Larnaca, Gent, and then AZ Alkmaar in the semi-final. West Ham have combined clinical finishing with solid defensive organisation, growing in confidence with each round.

Team News

Fiorentina: Italiano has a near full-strength squad at his disposal. Nicolas González and Luka Jović are expected to spearhead the attack, while captain Cristiano Biraghi provides experience at left-back. Key midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, fresh off a standout World Cup with Morocco, will anchor the midfield.

West Ham: David Moyes will be boosted by the return of key men. Declan Rice is fit and ready for what could be his final game in claret and blue amid transfer speculation. Michail Antonio should lead the line, supported by the creative spark of Lucas Paquetá and the in-form Jarrod Bowen. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, preferred in Europe, is likely to retain his place.

Recent Form

Fiorentina’s Serie A campaign was a mixed bag, but they’ve peaked at the right time, losing just once in their last 12 matches across all competitions heading into the final. They also reached the Coppa Italia final, underlining their knack for knockout football.

West Ham finished their Premier League season safely above the relegation zone after a nervy winter. Momentum is on their side, with confident wins in Europe and a strong finish domestically giving them belief that Prague could be the stage for a historic night.

Players to Watch

• Nicolás González (Fiorentina): The Argentine winger’s pace and directness have tormented defences all season. His ability to cut inside and finish makes him Fiorentina’s most dangerous weapon.
• Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina): A midfield general who controls tempo and breaks up play, Amrabat’s battle with Declan Rice will be key.
• Declan Rice (West Ham): The captain and heartbeat of the Hammers, Rice will be desperate to sign off with silverware. His ball-carrying and defensive presence are vital.
• Jarrod Bowen (West Ham): With sharp movement and a clinical eye for goal, Bowen can punish any lapse in Fiorentina’s backline.

Prediction

This final promises a fascinating clash of styles. Fiorentina’s free-flowing attack will test West Ham’s defence, while the Hammers’ counter-attacking threat and set-piece power could trouble the Italians. Expect a tight, tense encounter with chances at both ends.

Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina