Tag: Fiorentina

  • UEFA charge West Ham, Fiorentina over ‘throwing objects’ in Conference League final

    UEFA charge West Ham, Fiorentina over ‘throwing objects’ in Conference League final

    UEFA has issued charges against West Ham and Fiorentina following incidents that occurred during the Europa Conference League final held on Wednesday.

    Both clubs have been accused of “throwing of objects,” while West Ham additionally faces punishment for “invasion of the field of play.”

    During the first half of the match in Prague, Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi was struck on the head by an object thrown from the West Ham supporters’ section. Despite this incident, the Hammers emerged victorious with a 2-1 win.

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    In addition to the charges against West Ham, Fiorentina has been charged with “lighting of fireworks.” UEFA has stated that a decision regarding these charges will be made in due course.

    Local authorities in Prague reported that 23 fans were arrested in connection with the match. Among them, one individual was identified as a West Ham fan, while the remaining arrests were supporters of Fiorentina.

    Furthermore, it was reported that Fiorentina fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar located in central Prague. As a result, 17 out of the 22 individuals associated with the Italian club were detained in relation to this incident.

  • CONFERENCE LEAGUE: West Ham treated Fiorentina like ‘animals’ – Commisso

    CONFERENCE LEAGUE: West Ham treated Fiorentina like ‘animals’ – Commisso

    Fiorentina president, Rocco Commisso, has lashed out at West Ham, saying they treated his side like “animals” at the recently played UEFA Europa Conference League final, which the Hammers won 2-1

    The match saw striker Luca Jovic forced to leave the field at halftime due to a broken nose, while captain Cristiano Biraghi sustained a bloodied face after being struck by an object thrown from the crowd.

    West Ham finally ended their 43-year trophy drought with a decisive late goal from Jarrod Bowen.

    West Ham Fiorentina

    “I expected to win, but it wasn’t like that,” Commisso said after the match. But there have been episodes on the pitch where the referee had to make the difference.

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    “I spoke to the president of the Premier League, those of West Ham are animals in the way they treated ours. It’s not right.

    “This match could be won 3-0. I’m sorry for the fans, they deserved more.”

    Separately, the Serie A club “strongly condemned” what happened to Biraghi.

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    “This unacceptable behaviour obviously affected the performance of the footballer and his team-mates, who had their attention drawn away from footballing matters by the threats to their own safety,” Fiorentina said.

    The Italian club’s president, Rocco Commisso, expressed confidence that Uefa, the governing body of European football, would take necessary action to address the situation and punish those responsible for the incident.

    He stated that Fiorentina is “certain” Uefa would deliver an appropriate response, setting an example to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

    In a separate incident, Prague police reported a total of 23 arrests, with one individual being a West Ham supporter and the remaining 22 Fiorentina fans.

    The Fiorentina supporters attacked West Ham fans at a bar in central Prague. According to the police,  17 out of the 22 Fiorentina fans involved were arrested over the mayhem.

  • Last-minute euphoria as Bowen seals Conference League glory for West Ham

    Last-minute euphoria as Bowen seals Conference League glory for West Ham

    In a momentous triumph, West Ham United put an end to their 43-year trophy drought by securing a historic victory in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina in Prague.

    The long-awaited glory came courtesy of a last-minute goal from Jarrod Bowen, propelling the Hammers to an exhilarating win.

    As the match progressed, it seemed destined for extra time after Said Benrahma’s second-half penalty was swiftly cancelled out by an impressive strike from Giacomo Bonaventura just seven minutes later.

    The final was fiercely contested, occasionally marred by contentious incidents, and even descending into ugliness when Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi was struck by a plastic bottle hurled from the West Ham section.

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    However, the game was ultimately settled in the most dramatic fashion imaginable. Bowen displayed impeccable timing, capitalizing on a superbly executed pass from Lucas Paqueta that split the Fiorentina defense. The Englishman broke free, composed himself, and calmly slotted the ball past Pietro Terracciano, igniting euphoria among the West Ham faithful.

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    Manager David Moyes couldn’t contain his joy and sprinted down the touchline to join the jubilant celebrations, relishing the first major silverware of his illustrious career.

    West Ham Conference League

    This remarkable triumph saw captain Declan Rice lead the team to glory in what might possibly be his final game for the club. In doing so, he joined the ranks of West Ham legends Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, who captained the club to victory in the 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup and the FA Cup in 1975 and 1980, respectively.

    The victory not only marks a historic milestone for West Ham United, ending their prolonged trophy drought but also secures a coveted spot in next season’s Europa League.

    This achievement carries added significance as it ensures European football for the third consecutive year, a feat unprecedented in the club’s storied history.

  • CONFERENCE LEAGUE: West Ham beat AZ Alkmaar, as Basel stun Fiorentina

    CONFERENCE LEAGUE: West Ham beat AZ Alkmaar, as Basel stun Fiorentina

    West Ham 2-1 AZ Alkmaar

    West Ham players celebrate after Michail Antonio scored his side’s second goal during the Conference League first leg semifinal soccer match between West Ham and AZ Alkmaar at London Stadium in London, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

    West Ham orchestrated a remarkable second-half turnaround to defeat AZ Alkmaar 2-1 at London Stadium, with Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio leading the charge.

    Benrahma leveled the score from the penalty spot, erasing the Dutch team’s lead, before Antonio sealed the victory with a close-range goal.

    Tijjani Reijnders had given AZ Alkmaar the lead with a strike from outside the area four minutes before halftime, presenting a rare chance for the Dutch side.

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    The Hammers, who last won a European trophy in the 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup, showcased their determination to go far in the competition with this impressive comeback.

    Fiorentina 1-2 Basel

    Basel’s Zeki Amdouni celebrates after scoring during a Conference League first leg semifinal soccer match between FC Basel 1893 and ACF Fiorentina, at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

    In a thrilling match at Stadio Artemio Franchi, Basel staged a remarkable comeback, overturning a goal deficit to defeat Fiorentina 2-1, with Zeki Amdouni scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. Andy Diouf had previously equalized for Basel in the 71st minute.

    During the first half, Fiorentina dominated the attacking play, while Basel held their ground defensively. However, in the 25th minute, Arthur Cabral broke the deadlock for the hosts with a header from a corner kick, becoming the top scorer in the competition with his seventh goal.

    But Basel refused to surrender, and their persistence paid off. Andy Diouf’s equalizer in the 71st minute injected new life into the game, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Then, in stoppage time, Zeki Amdouni emerged as the hero, securing the stunning victory for Basel.

    The result marks an impressive turnaround for Basel and leaves Fiorentina stunned by the late turn of events.

  • Napoli’s Scudetto celebrations continue with 1-0 triumph over Fiorentina”

    Napoli’s Scudetto celebrations continue with 1-0 triumph over Fiorentina”

    Napoli celebrated their Scudetto victory with a 1-0 win against Fiorentina, as Victor Osimhen overcame a missed penalty to secure the three points in a festive atmosphere at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

    The match began with subdued energy, as both teams fielded significantly changed lineups. Osimhen initially believed he had squandered Napoli’s best opportunity when his second-half penalty was saved by Pietro Terracciano. However, a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia presented Osimhen with a chance for redemption.

    Napoli’s leading goal scorer made no mistake with his second penalty attempt, ensuring that the Scudetto celebrations concluded with a victory. Fiorentina showed respect to the champions by giving them a pre-match guard of honor, but they were determined to challenge Napoli during the game. Luka Jovic had an early opportunity, narrowly missing with a header.

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    Eljif Elmas missed the target for Napoli as they took time to find their rhythm with Kvaratskhelia and Stanislav Lobotka starting on the bench. Jovic came close again with a deft header, but Pierluigi Gollini denied him. Osimhen also had a chance, but his angled shot found the side netting just before halftime.

    Napoli introduced Kvaratskhelia and Lobotka in an attempt to increase their intensity. Lobotka’s immediate impact drew a clumsy foul from Sofyan Amrabat, resulting in Osimhen’s first penalty opportunity. However, Terracciano saved his shot, pushing it around the left post. Nonetheless, Osimhen would get another chance with 16 minutes remaining.

    Nicolas Gonzalez tripped Kvaratskhelia inside the penalty area, granting Osimhen a second opportunity.

    This time, Osimhen confidently blasted the ball into the roof of the net, ensuring Napoli’s victory. Christian Kouame missed Fiorentina’s best chance to equalize, lifting his shot over the bar late in the match, allowing the champions to hold on to their lead.