The Europa League Conference will not be owned by Italy. A year after the first edition won by AS Roma, Fiorentina failed this Wednesday evening to win the C4 in Prague (Czech Republic). First European club to play a final in the 4 European Cups (C1 in 1957, C2 in 1961 and 1962, C3 in 1990 and therefore C4 this year), the Viola lacked efficiency to win a 2nd European trophy since 1962 .
West Ham, winner of the Coupe des Coupes in 1965 puts an end to 58 of scarcity on the continental tests. After a complicated year in the Premier League with a maintenance acquired in the last days (14th), the London formation led by the tricolor internationals Alphonse Areola and Kurt Zouma ended the season in the most beautiful way with this success (2-1) at the end of the suspense against Fiorentina.
Cristiano Biraghi in blood after receiving a cup on the head
After the arrest of 16 Fiorentina supporters earlier today, the first act of this final is tasteless with no chances on either side. Worse, the meeting is interrupted due to the throwing of cups from English supporters towards the Italian side Cristiano Biraghi. One of the cups hits the Viola player, who bleeds from the scalp. After the intervention of the healers, the match resumes.
But, it is necessary to wait for the hour of play so that the match settles down. Englishman Jarrod Bowen claims a handball from Cristiano Biraghi in the penalty area. Questioned by the VAR, the referee decides to watch the images and awards a penalty to the Hammers. This is transformed by the Algerian international Saïd Benrahma with a powerful shot from the right foot in the skylight (0-1, 62nd). We then think that the English have done the hardest but the Italians react quickly.
Right side, Nicolas Gonzalez wins his duel with Emerson, in the penalty area. From the head, he finds Giacomo Bonaventura, who controls with the left foot, before scoring with a millimeter strike with the right foot close to the post of Alphonse Areola (1-1, 67th). In the process, a shot from Rolando Mandragora grazed the right post of Areola (70th). As we head towards an extension, the former Lyonnais Paqueta launches deep Jarrod Bowen who wins his duel against the Italian goalkeeper (1-2, 90th). The Hammers can exult. They win their first C4 and qualify for the Europa League (C3) next season.
