Fiorentina secured their place in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Panathinaikos at the Stadio Franchi, overturning a 3-2 first-leg deficit from Greece.
Goals from Rolando Mandragora, Albert Gudmundsson, and Moise Kean ensured the Tuscans progressed to the next round, where they will face NK Celje.
The match began with an early breakthrough, as Mandragora unleashed a stunning long-range strike just 12 minutes in, setting the tone for Fiorentina’s dominant first half.
The Italian midfielder came close to doubling his tally moments later, but former Fiorentina goalkeeper Bartłomiej Drągowski made a sharp save at his near post.
Fiorentina extended their lead in the 23rd minute when Luca Ranieri’s pressing high up the pitch led to Gudmundsson gaining possession. The Icelandic forward drove into the box and found the net with a left-footed effort that took a slight deflection on its way in.
Gudmundsson continued to orchestrate Fiorentina’s attack, delivering an exquisite chipped pass to Kean, whose shot was diverted for a corner by the alert Drągowski.
However, the second half proved more challenging for the Italian side as fatigue set in, allowing Panathinaikos to find their rhythm. Substitute Fotis Ioannidis made an immediate impact, creating the visitors’ most dangerous opportunities.
Pietro Comuzzo produced a crucial sliding tackle to deny Ioannidis a shot inside the box, while Robin Gosens twice thwarted efforts from both Tete and Ioannidis near goal.
Fiorentina restored their two-goal cushion through Kean, who showcased individual brilliance with a deft flick at the edge of the box before calmly slotting past Drągowski.
Panathinaikos responded shortly after, winning a penalty due to a clumsy foul by Nicolò Fagioli. Ioannidis confidently converted from the spot to give the Greek side a glimmer of hope.
The final moments of the match saw rising tension, culminating in Filip Mladenović receiving a red card for a second bookable offence.
Despite the pressure, Fiorentina held firm defensively and saw out their victory to book a place in the next round.
