Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso is ‘very proud’ of the team for reaching another Conference League Final and reminds everyone ‘this is for’ Joe Barone.
It kicks off at the AEK Arena in Athens at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“I want to salute the fans at the Stadio Franchi who are watching right now,” Commisso told Sky Sport Italia, waving to the camera.
While many managed to get tickets in Athens, circa 30,000 have crammed into the Stadio Artemio Franchi back in Florence to watch the game together on the big screens.
In the last two seasons, Fiorentina have qualified for three Finals – one Coppa Italia and two Conference Leagues – but Olympiacos inevitably have the home advantage tonight, as it might not be their stadium, but it is their city.
“I am very proud. There are many more of their fans here tonight, but I think we have to give it all from the first minute and the lads can do it. We hope.”
Fiorentina motivated by Barone memory
Commisso travelled to Athens with the squad and coach Vincenzo Italiano, so has been helping to motivate the squad.
“I spoke to the players one at a time, yesterday to the whole team. The important thing is not to criticise them ever, they are great.”
There were posters inside the locker room of director Joe Barone, who died in March after collapsing at the team hotel ahead of a Serie A match against Atalanta.
“Poor Joe. We lost him three months ago. So this is for Joe.”
Having reached two European Finals in a row, where does Commisso think he can take Fiorentina?
“If we win tonight, then we’ll see.”
ROCCO 💜 pic.twitter.com/065V7R41I8
— ACF Fiorentina English (@ACFFiorentinaEN) May 29, 2024
Well, good luck to them. I hope they manage to win.