Friday Poll: Is Fiorentina going to Europe?

With 2 games left, Fiorentina sit in 7th place, even with AS Roma and Atalanta on 59 points. They trail the Giallorossi on tiebreakers (goals scored in the head-to-head matches) but lead la Dea (head-to-head results). Since none of this trio are likely to catch Lazio (they’d have to win their remaining matches and hope that Lazio drop points), that means they’re all competing for a single Europa Conference League spot.

While this may drag some anxious reminiscing out of some of us (not that we need any help), it’s pretty exciting that the Viola are right on the cusp Europe after fighting relegation for the past couple of years. I can’t recall such a rapid turnaround in mentality, playing style, and results in this team’s recent history.

While a triumphant return to Europe (even in the third tier competition) would be a visible indication of Fiorentina’s return to the ranks of the elite—or at least the elite-ish—the progress is already visible. The Conference League would be a lovely garnish, but the cocktail of this season is refreshing and delicious without it, so not qualifying won’t be a ruinous outcome by any stretch of the imagination.

Even so, it’d sure be fun to have the odd game in Sofia or Fehérvár or Bala next year. It’d also add a wrinkle to the transfer window, as Daniele Pradè will have to add a fair amount of depth to a squad to compete on two fronts. If nothing else, it’ll provide proof of what we already know: Fiorentina’s on its way back.

Here’s your weekend thread. Stay loose.