Both of Fiorentina’s previous appearances in the Europa Conference League finals ended in defeat. In order to advance to the group stage of this event in the 2024/25 season, they must first defeat Puskas Academy in the play-off round.

Puskas Academy everyone in the first leg by tying Fiorentina 3-3 away from home. Also making his debut was goalkeeper David de Gea, who had signed for the Italian side in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer.Though he struggled in his first match, De Gea was outstanding in the return match. In a bid to score quickly, the Hungarian squad played with a lot of energy. Nevertheless, the Spanish goalkeeper exhibited a succession of lightning-fast reflexes.

De Gea preserved eight goals for Fiorentina, including four excellent opportunities, according to the stats. In the second overtime, he made two more saves. The opposition team advanced to a fortunate penalty shootout thanks to his magnificent saves.

The lone shot that went wide in the whole eleven-minute series was captain Roland Szolnoki’s penalty kick in the fourth round, but the Spanish goalie made a sensational save by diving to his left to prevent the goal. In the end, Fiorentina prevailed 5-4 in the penalty shootout and advanced to the Conference League.