Crystal Palace v Fiorentina: Injuries at Selhurst Park, 2026

Key Points

• Crystal Palace face Fiorentina in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League quarterfinal at Selhurst Park on Thursday.
• Fiorentina, battling relegation in Serie A, have improved recently with four unbeaten league games but struggle in Europe against teams like Rakow, Jagiellonia, and Lausanne.
• Niccolo Fagioli, praised by Gazzetta dello Sport, scored against Hellas Verona and was key against Rakow; he is expected to feature prominently.
• Dodo has returned to training and should travel to London for the match after missing the Verona game.
• Multiple doubts: Rolando Mandragora likely out; Manor Solomon, Niccolo Fortini, and Fabiano Parisi also sidelined, with Solomon absent since early March due to a thigh injury.
• Fiorentina’s European campaign has been inconsistent, exemplified by needing extra time against Rakow despite a 3-0 first-leg win.
• Crystal Palace have not played since 19 March, giving them a rest advantage; second leg follows next week.
• Paolo Vanoli’s Fiorentina prioritise Serie A survival amid a challenging season.

Crystal Palace a Park (South London News) – April 7, 2026.

What is the Context of Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina in the Conference League Quarterfinal?

Selhurst Park, South London, hosts Crystal Palace against Fiorentina in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League quarterfinal on Thursday.

The match holds significant stakes for the Italian side, who face a relegation battle in Serie A, as reported across multiple outlets.

Fiorentina, known as La Viola, have shown improvement in recent weeks, remaining unbeaten in four league games. However, the European fixture presents a distinct challenge.

The Florence club has encountered difficulties against opponents such as Rakow, Jagiellonia, and even Lausanne in the competition.

As detailed in Sportwitness coverage, the Polish side Rakow pushed Fiorentina to extra time last month, despite La Viola securing a 3-0 win in the first leg. This encapsulates Fiorentina’s rollercoaster campaign in the Conference League.

Paolo Vanoli’s team enters the clash with several fitness concerns, complicating preparations further.

Which Fiorentina Players Are Facing Fitness Doubts Ahead of the Match?

Multiple uncertainties plague Fiorentina’s squad. Gazzetta dello Sport today highlighted praise for Niccolo Fagioli, who played a key role in the second leg against Rakow and scored against Hellas Verona at the weekend. He is expected to feature against the Eagles, Crystal Palace.

One positive development is the return of Dodo, who missed the Verona match. He has resumed training and should travel to London to face Crystal Palace.

However, Rolando Mandragora is likely to remain sidelined. Manor Solomon, Niccolo Fortini, and fullback Fabiano Parisi are also expected to stay out.

The Israeli winger Solomon has not played since early March owing to a thigh problem.

Fiorentina will lean heavily on Fagioli, who nearly earned a call-up to the Italian national team weeks ago. After a slow start to the season, he has become La Viola’s most important player currently, according to Sportwitness analysis drawing from Italian media.

How Has Fiorentina Performed Recently in Serie A and Europe?

Fiorentina’s form in Serie A has steadied, with four unbeaten league outings marking progress amid their relegation fight. Yet, their Conference League record remains erratic.

The team laboured against Rakow, requiring extra time in the second leg after dominating the first 3-0. Struggles against Jagiellonia and Lausanne underline broader European inconsistencies this season.

As Sportwitness notes, these patterns have defined La Viola’s campaign, blending highs with frequent lapses.

What Advantage Does Crystal Palace Hold Going into the Tie?

Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace side have not played a competitive match since 19 March. This extended rest period could tilt the balance in their favour against a Fiorentina team juggling domestic pressures.

The second leg next week adds further strain on Vanoli’s squad, who often falter with midweek fixtures amid a congested schedule.

Fiorentina’s primary focus remains Serie A survival for a club of their stature, which cannot afford demotion to Serie B.

This season has proven nightmarish, impacting their European output, as observed in consistent match reports.

Even with Fagioli and Moise Kean likely available, performances dip in packed weeks, per Sportwitness synthesis of Italian press like Gazzetta dello Sport.

Who is Niccolo Fagioli and Why is He Crucial for Fiorentina?

Niccolo Fagioli stands out as a beacon for Fiorentina. Gazzetta dello Sport lauded his pivotal role in the Rakow second leg and his weekend goal versus Hellas Verona.

Once struggling post a tough start, Fagioli has turned his form around. He was on the cusp of an Italy national team call-up recently and now anchors La Viola’s midfield as their standout performer.

His presence offers hope, though squad depth issues persist.

What Challenges Do Injuries Pose for Fiorentina’s Relegation Battle?

The fitness woes extend beyond this tie. With Mandragora out, and Solomon, Fortini, and Parisi unavailable, Vanoli’s options thin out.

Solomon’s thigh injury, sidelining him since early March, deprives the team of attacking flair. Dodo’s return provides minor relief, but the overall toll hampers rotation in a critical Serie A survival push intertwined with Europe.

Gazzetta dello Sport and Sportwitness reports emphasise how these absences compound Fiorentina’s precarious league position.

How Does Crystal Palace’s Schedule Compare to Fiorentina’s?

Crystal Palace benefit from inactivity since 19 March, allowing full recovery and preparation focus. Fiorentina, conversely, navigate recent league action plus the looming second leg.

This disparity, highlighted in Sportwitness previews, underscores tactical edges for the hosts at Selhurst Park.

Background of the Development

Fiorentina entered the 2025-2026 UEFA Conference League knockout stages after navigating a group phase marked by inconsistency.

Their path included the 3-0 first-leg win over Rakow, though the return leg tested resilience. Serie A relegation pressure stems from a poor start under previous management, stabilised somewhat by Paolo Vanoli. Crystal Palace qualified via Premier League standing and domestic cup progress, reaching Selhurst Park unbeaten in recent European home games. Gazzetta dello Sport has tracked Fagioli’s resurgence since January, while Sportwitness consolidated fitness updates from Italian sources ahead of this quarterfinal.