Pioli: ‘Fiorentina motivated for Conference League, Beltran left out’ | OneFootball

Stefano Pioli assures Fiorentina are ‘motivated’ for tomorrow’s Conference League play-off against Ukrainian team Polissya, but confirms Lucas Beltran was left out due to transfer activity.

The first leg will be played on neutral turf at the Tatran Stadion in Presov, Slovakia, on Thursday.

Curiously, as the Stadio Artemio Franchi is undergoing reconstruction work, the second leg will also be on neutral territory, hosted by the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia next Thursday evening.

Pioli trusts Fiorentina will be focused

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: Stefano Pioli, Head Coach of Fiorentina gives instructions during the pre-season friendly match between Leicester City and ACF Fiorentina at The King Power Stadium on August 03, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“If I had to motivate my players for this, it’d be a terrible start to the season,” said Pioli in his press conference.

“We’ve had this date circled in our calendars since early July and we are ready for tomorrow. We’ve worked hard and have clear ideas of how we want to play. We know how important this preliminary round and progress in Europe will be.

“This is an opportunity to prove ourselves in Europe and we are aware that tomorrow will be one of the most complicated games. Polissya are talented, they have a smart and well-prepared coach, so we need a top level performance.”

Beltran was left out of the trip to Slovakia, as there are reports he is considering an €11m proposal from CSKA Moscow.

“He is at home because there is movement on the transfer market,” confirmed Pioli.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – MAY 01: David De Gea of Fiorentina speaks to the media during an interview prior to the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Real Betis Balompie and ACF Fiorentina at Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 01, 2025 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Fiorentina have been transformed during the summer and are still in flux, with reports of further transfers imminent.

“It takes time to get to know each other, but we have some very intelligent forwards and I am sure the right alchemy will develop between them.”

Veterans like David De Gea and new signing Edin Dzeko bring plenty of experience to the squad going into this European test.

“They are two champions, in good shape and highly motivated. They bring a lot of positive energy and it’s clear we expect a big contribution from them,” concluded the coach.