Conference League round of 16 second leg, Thursday, 13/03/2025 at 9:00 PM
I don’t understand why Fiorentina are still being offered odds of 1.60 to win at home.
The Italians are currently getting next to nothing done, and Panathinaikos showed in the first leg that they can fight to the finish!
After the spectacular 3-2 win in the first leg against the “Viola”, Panathinaikos has a slight advantage going into the second leg of the Conference League. But whether this lead will be enough is questionable, because the Greeks have had major problems away from home recently.
On the other hand, as already mentioned, Fiorentina is in a real crisis and has lost five of their last six competitive games.
The team from Florence therefore urgently needs to show a reaction if they still want to have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
Home advantage could play a decisive role here, as their record in European competitions at the Stadio Artemio Franchi is impressive.
Despite their current difficulties, Fiorentina are usually in a class of their own when they host in the UECL.
The Italian club has not lost at home in this competition for eleven matches (eight wins, three draws), and they have also won three of their last four home games in Serie A.
The offensive power is undisputed, but the defense has recently shown major weaknesses – especially in the aforementioned 2-3 loss in Athens. Coach Vincenzo Italiano will have to hope that his team, with the support of the fans, puts in a strong performance.
After all, the “Viola” have already reached the final of the Conference League in the past two years and therefore want to be in the running for the title again.
The “green-whites” from Athens travel to Italy with a comfortable, but by no means safe, lead. Panathinaikos have not won away from home in seven games, which should further fuel the hopes of the hosts (3 draws, 4 defeats).
Moreover, Rui Vitória’s team have not kept a clean sheet in any of these games, which could prove problematic against an offensive team like Fiorentina.
Nevertheless, the current form overall speaks for the Greeks: in the last six games there has only been one defeat (4 wins, 1 draw). If they avoid another defeat on Thursday, they will be through!
Panathinaikos have been particularly stable in the UECL recently: they have won five of their last six games, which should further boost their confidence.
The second leg could be an open contest, with both teams aware that a single goal can tip the balance of the entire tie. The “Viola” will have to play offensively from the start, while the guests could rely on targeted counterattacks.
Especially in view of the defensive problems of both teams, it seems very likely that the spectators will see some goals again. If Fiorentina play to their home strength, a comeback is quite possible.
But Panathinaikos have proven this season that they can be compact defensively when it matters. That’s why I still think that the Greeks could actually advance here if they play their cards right on Thursday.
All in all, we can look forward to an exciting game with plenty of potential for goals. While Fiorentina have their backs to the wall and will need to hope for a passionate performance, Panathinaikos could bring the lead home with a clever display.
But if you bet on goals, you could strike gold with a promising Fiorentina Panathinaikos bet on “Over 2.5 goals” in any case – because if the Italians take an early lead, the game is likely to explode.
The betting providers have worked on various offers, but I rejected most of them because the corresponding Fiorentina Panathinaikos odds were just not high enough for me.
But do you know which Fiorentina Panathinaikos tip I trust? “Athens rises” at a magnificent odds of about 1.93.
Panathinaikos will advance within regular time, promises a slightly higher odds of about 2.27 in the Betano app. However, I am not quite as confident about this.
“Most goals will be scored in the second half” is also a betting tip that I would highly recommend to you.
After all, Fiorentina has scored at least two goals in the second half in all four home games in the Conference League this season.
I’m happy to take the odds of around 2.02 that are being offered on the markets for this offer.
Conclusion: Fiorentina’s immense international experience speaks for them, but this time they are in danger of missing out on the UECL final for the first time.
Panathinaikos already grew beyond themselves in the first leg and could currently have the slightly better momentum to cause the favorites to falter. If it gets tight, the Greeks could use their physical strength to prevail.
My Fiorentina Panathinaikos betting tip: Athens qualifies.
