Emerson Palmieri has now noted what will ‘make the difference’ for West Ham United in the Europa Conference League final. They meet Fiorentina in Prague on Wednesday.
The Irons have reached their first European final in 47 years under David Moyes this season despite their disappointing domestic campaign. West Ham just finished the Premier League term down in 14th place. They only held a six-point advantage to the relegation zone, too.
But European football has looked kindly on West Ham this season with the Hammers going unbeaten through 14 fixtures. The Hammers have also won all but one of their UEFA ties so far this term. Just KAA Gent have stopped West Ham from boasting a 100% winning record.
West Ham can win their first UEFA trophy in 58 years
Fiorentina now stand in West Ham’s way of lifting their first major European trophy since the 1964/65 season. The Irons bagged their first continental crown 58 years ago with the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. West Ham also have one UEFA Intertoto Cup title from the 1999 edition.
The Europa Conference League would also be the Viola’s second major European title. Like West Ham, Fiorentina lifted the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup once back in 1960/61. While they have reached the Fortuna Arena showdown on Wednesday with 11 wins from 16 matches.
Emerson opens up on the Irons’ Conference League plans
Fiorentina’s Europa Conference League journey will end against West Ham in the final after starting in the qualifying play-off round. The Irons entered the competition from the group stage after the east Londoners ended the 2021/22 Premier League season in seventh place.
Emerson believes West Ham will have to deliver a flawless performance if they are to edge Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final. The Italian full-back has also now opened up on how Moyes’ actions at Rush Green should also put the Hammers in a strong position.
“The match is very important for us and for the club,” Emerson told Sky Italia, via quotes by TuttoMercatoWEB. “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.”
Emerson also claimed: “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.”
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