Clinical second half gives Fiorentina full control of the Conference League playoff tie
Convincing, composed, and efficient. Fiorentina delivered a professional 3-0 road victory over Jagiellonia Bialystok in the first leg of their Conference League playoff, putting one foot firmly into the next round.
After a scrappy first half played on a difficult surface, Fiorentina took control after the break. Luca Ranieri opened the scoring, Rolando Mandragora doubled the lead with a stunning free kick, and Roberto Piccoli sealed the win from the penalty spot.
Slow Start on a Difficult Pitch
The opening 30 minutes offered little rhythm. The pitch conditions in Poland made ball circulation complicated, with uneven patches disrupting build-up play.
Fiorentina slowly grew into the match. Michael Fabbian forced a pair of saves from goalkeeper Abramowicz, while Robin Gosens headed wide from a corner. Still, the first half ended scoreless.
Ranieri Breaks Through
The breakthrough arrived early in the second half. From a corner sequence, Fazzini delivered to the far post where captain Ranieri rose highest to head home in the 53rd minute. It was a decisive moment that shifted the momentum firmly in Fiorentina’s favor.
Jagiellonia responded quickly and even found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Moments later, Wdowik struck the post from a free kick — the hosts’ clearest opportunity of the night.
Mandragora’s Magic and Piccoli’s Composure
Just as the Polish side seemed to gain confidence, Mandragora produced the play of the match. In the 65th minute, he curled a perfect free kick into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper helpless and effectively ending the contest.
The final blow came in the 81st minute. Drachal brought down Piccoli inside the box in a moment of inexperience, conceding a penalty. Piccoli calmly converted, sealing a dominant 3-0 win.
With a comfortable advantage heading back to Florence, Fiorentina can now focus on domestic priorities before finishing the job at the Franchi.
Match Report
Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Fiorentina: 0-3
Goals:
53’ Ranieri (FIO)
65’ Mandragora (FIO)
81’ Piccoli (FIO, pen)
Jagiellonia (4-4-2):
Abramowicz; Wojtuszek, Vital, Pelmard, Wdowik; Pozo, Flach (60’ Drachal), Mazurek (89’ Kozlowski), Jozwiak (68’ Rallis); Imaz, Bazdar (89’ Sylla).
Coach: Adrian Siemieniec
Fiorentina (4-3-3):
Lezzerini; Fortini, Comuzzo, Ranieri (68’ Pongracic), Gosens; Fabbian, Mandragora, Ndour (84’ Balbo); Harrison (68’ Parisi), Piccoli, Fazzini.
Coach: Paolo Vanoli
Yellow Cards: Fazzini (FIO), Mandragora (FIO), Lezzerini (FIO), Wdowik (JAG)
Red Cards: None
Referee: Sebastian Gishamer (Austria)
