Fiorentina vs Celje Prediction & Preview – Conference League Quarter-finals (April 17, 2025)

Fiorentina vs Celje – UEFA Conference League Quarter-finals, 2nd Leg (April 17, 2025)

As the UEFA Conference League reaches its defining moments, Fiorentina host Celje in the second leg of the quarter-finals at the iconic Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 17:45 CET-2. With the first leg in Slovenia ending 2-1 in favor of Fiorentina, the Italians return home with a narrow advantage but far from a guarantee of progress.

💜 Fiorentina: One Foot in the Semis, But Caution Remains

Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina side entered 2025 with one objective — to go deep in Europe. They’ve largely lived up to expectations so far, winning 7 of their 9 matches in all competitions this year. Their 2-1 away victory in the first leg was a hard-fought affair, with Giacomo Bonaventura and Luka Jović scoring vital away goals.

At home, La Viola have been dominant in 2025, boasting a 100% win record at the Franchi in all competitions this calendar year. They’ve scored 9 goals in their last 3 home matches while conceding just once. With the crowd behind them and a full squad available, Fiorentina look poised — but they know Celje are not to be underestimated.

🎯 Top Performers in 2025:

• Luka Jović – 4 goals in his last 5 games, including one in the 1st leg.

• Nicolás González – 3 assists and 2 goals in European competition this year.

• Arthur Melo – The midfield orchestrator, dictating tempo and shielding the backline.

⚪ Celje: Still in the Fight Despite the Odds

Slovenian side NK Celje may have lost the first leg, but their late goal from Mark Zabukovnik gave them a lifeline. The underdogs have made headlines throughout the Conference League campaign, and even in defeat, they showed courage and quality against a Serie A heavyweight.

In 2025, Celje have played 11 competitive matches, winning 6, drawing 3, and losing 2 — including the recent narrow defeat to Fiorentina. Their away form is a concern though: just 2 wins on the road this year, and both came against domestic rivals.

⚽ Key Players to Watch:

• Mark Zabukovnik – Scored the crucial first-leg goal and remains a threat on set-pieces.

• Denis Popović – Veteran playmaker who pulls the strings from midfield.

• David Zec – Defensive anchor who will be key in containing Fiorentina’s firepower.

📊 2025 Form Overview

🧠 Predicted Lineups

Fiorentina (4-2-3-1):
Terracciano – Kayode, Milenković, Martínez Quarta, Biraghi – Arthur, Duncan – González, Bonaventura, Kouamé – Jović
Manager: Vincenzo Italiano

Celje (4-3-3):
Rozman – Brecl, Zec, Kadrić, Pungaršek – Popović, Marjanac, Cipot – Šturm, Lotrič, Zabukovnik
Manager: Damir Krznar

🔍 Tactical Focus

Fiorentina will aim to dominate possession, using their wingers and overlapping full-backs to stretch the play. Jović will look to exploit gaps between Celje’s center-backs, while González’s movement on the flanks will be key to creating chances.

Celje are expected to defend deep and hit on the break. Their success depends on how well they manage transitions and whether Popović can dictate moments of control in midfield.

🔮 Prediction: Fiorentina 2-0 Celje (Aggregate: 4-1)

Fiorentina are simply too strong at home. With depth, form, and momentum all on their side, it’s hard to see Celje pulling off a miracle in Florence. Expect the Italians to control the game and secure a clean sheet as they march into the semi-finals.

✅ Best Betting Tips

• ✅ Fiorentina to Win to Nil – Clean sheets in 3 of their last 4 home games

• ✅ Under 2.5 Goals – Celje will sit deep and try to frustrate

• ✅ Jović to Score Anytime – In form and clinical inside the box