Fiorentina vs Polissya Zhytomyr Prediction & Betting Tips (28 August)

Fiorentina return to the European stage with renewed ambition as they host Polissya Zhytomyr in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff. The Viola are fresh off a commanding 3-0 away win in the first leg, showcasing their attacking depth and defensive solidity. Under Stefano Pioli, the Tuscan side has been reshaped with a blend of experience and youth—Edin Dzeko and Moise Kean leading the line, while David De Gea anchors the defense. The recent 1-1 draw against Cagliari in Serie A hints at some early-season rust, but Pioli remains confident, especially with Lucas Beltran sidelined amid transfer talks and Roberto Piccoli newly signed to bolster the attack.

Polissya Zhytomyr, meanwhile, face an uphill battle. The Ukrainian outfit, managed by Ruslan Rotan, have stumbled in recent domestic fixtures, including a 2-0 defeat to LNZ Cherkasy. Their European journey has been historic—eliminating FC Santa Coloma and Paksi to reach this stage—but the gulf in class was evident in the first leg. Rotan will likely rely on a compact midfield trio of Babenko, Lednev, and Andrievsky to disrupt Fiorentina’s rhythm, while hoping for a spark from forwards Filippov and Nazarenko. Left-back Bogdan Mykhaylichenko returns from suspension, adding some much-needed stability to the backline.

Despite the first-leg scoreline, Polissya are not expected to roll over. Their home form has been patchy, but they’ve shown resilience in tight matches. The tactical setup will likely be conservative, aiming to frustrate Fiorentina and capitalize on set pieces or counterattacks. Fiorentina, on the other hand, will be wary of complacency. Pioli’s side has struggled on the road in recent months, and while the first-leg cushion offers breathing room, the Conference League has a history of dramatic turnarounds.

Expect a tighter affair in Florence, with Polissya pushing for pride and Fiorentina managing the tempo. The prediction leans toward a 2-1 scoreline in favor of the hosts—enough to seal progression, but not without a few nervy moments. With Dzeko’s poaching instincts and Kean’s dynamism, Fiorentina should find the net, while Polissya may snatch a goal through a moment of brilliance or defensive lapse. It won’t be a walk in the park, but the Viola look set to march into the group stage.

• Summary: Fiorentina is going head to head with Polissya Zhytomyr starting on 28 Aug 2025 at 18:00 UTC at Mapei Stadium stadium, Reggio Emilia city, Italy. The match is a part of the UEFA Europa Conference League, Qualification Playoff .
• Referee: Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea