Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina probable line-ups: Kean out, Mateta set to return
Quick summary
Fiorentina are expected to face Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-final first leg without Moise Kean, while Jean-Philippe Mateta could return to Palace's starting XI. The article outlines probable line-ups and broadcast details ahead of the match.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFiorentina will have to go without Italy international Moise Kean when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final on Thursday evening.
Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News and Content – Free Trial – Click Here Crystal Palace are the outright favourites to go on and win the Conference League, but must first get past two-time finalists, Fiorentina, who finished just one point behind the South London outfit at the end of the league phase. The Viola beat Rakow Czestochowa by a 4-2 aggregate scoreline in the round of 16 in order to qualify for tonight’s quarter-final. The hosts overcame AEK Larnaca over two legs after being held to a 0-0 draw at home in the opening game of that tie.
Fiorentina are without Kean , who has not travelled, nor has Manor Solomon or Fabiano Parisi. The Italy international is not expected to be out long-term, and should be in contention to play against Lazio in Serie A over the weekend. Roberto Piccoli is likely to start in his place in South London.
Rolando Mandragora is available for selection after a brief spell on the sidelines through injury, but is likely to start amongst the substitutes on this occasion.
Pre-match reports suggest that Palace could finally re-introduce Jean-Phillipe Mateta to their starting line-up after a spell on the sidelines nursing a knee injury. That same injury saw his January transfer move to Milan fall through at the end of the window, and has kept him out of action ever since.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on December 07, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) There could also be an appearance in the Palace starting line-up from former Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada.
Kick-off this evening is due at 20.00 BST.
Crystal Palace vs. Fiorentina: Probable line-ups FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 12: Cher Ndour of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Rakow Czestochowa at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 12, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvas; Johnson, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Mateta.
Fiorentina (4-1-4-1): De Gea; Dodo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Fagioli; Harrison, Fabbian, Ndour, Gudmundsson; Piccoli.
Where to watch Crystal Palace vs. Fiorentina Tonight’s game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports 3 and online through Discovery+. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+.
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What happened
Fiorentina travel to Selhurst Park for the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final without Moise Kean, who did not travel, while Manor Solomon and Fabiano Parisi are also unavailable. Roberto Piccoli is expected to deputise up front, and Rolando Mandragora is fit enough to be included but may start on the bench. Crystal Palace could welcome Jean-Philippe Mateta back into the starting line-up after his knee issue, with Daichi Kamada also in contention to start. The report frames Palace as slight favourites but highlights an important attacking absence for Fiorentina.
Chance analysis
Kean's absence weakens Fiorentina's central attacking threat and likely lowers their ceiling in transition and penalty-box finishing. Mateta's probable return improves Palace's focal point in attack and gives the hosts a more direct, physically imposing structure up front. For football markets, this is meaningful pre-match lineup news because it shifts the attacking balance toward Palace.
Fiorentina lose a key striker while Crystal Palace may regain their main centre-forward, tilting the match context toward the hosts.
Downgrade Fiorentina's attacking output expectation and slightly upgrade Crystal Palace's offensive setup if Mateta starts.