Emerson Palmieri has expressed his thoughts on the crucial factors that will “make the difference” for West Ham United in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina, which will take place in Prague on Wednesday, writes the HITC.
Despite a disappointing domestic campaign that saw West Ham finish in 14th place in the Premier League, the team under David Moyes has managed to reach their first European final in 47 years. Their margin of safety from the relegation zone was only six points.
In European competitions, West Ham has had a successful run, remaining undefeated in 14 matches and winning all but one of their UEFA ties this season. Only KAA Gent managed to prevent them from maintaining a 100% winning record.
Now, Fiorentina stands as the final obstacle for West Ham in their quest to lift their first major European trophy since the 1964/65 season. West Ham secured their first continental crown 58 years ago when they won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. They also have a UEFA Intertoto Cup title from the 1999 edition.
For Fiorentina, the Europa Conference League final presents an opportunity to win their second major European title. Like West Ham, they previously lifted the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1960/61 season. Fiorentina’s journey in the competition has seen them claim 11 victories out of 16 matches.
Having entered the Europa Conference League from the group stage after finishing seventh in the 2021/22 Premier League season, West Ham is set to face Fiorentina in the final. Emerson believes that the team will need to deliver a flawless performance to overcome Fiorentina. The Italian full-back also acknowledged the positive impact of Moyes’ actions at Rush Green, which should position the Hammers strongly for the final.
Emerson told Sky Italia (via TuttoMercatoWEB): “The match is very important for us and for the club. We are preparing for it in the right way. There are five-six days left and we have to work on the details. In the final, these are what [will] make the difference.
“We will do everything to remove any doubts. We must not commit [and] make mistakes in a straight game.”
“It will be a very interesting match. They have an attacking style but we run a lot. I expect many goals. We hope to score one more than them.”