West Ham vs Fiorentina LIVE: Europa Conference League final result and reaction as Bowen grabs dramatic winner

Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute winner saw West Ham United end their 43-year wait for a trophy with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.

The Hammers won a first piece of silverware since 1980’s FA Cup, and a first European trophy since 1965, on a historic and emotional night in Prague. Yes, it may be only Europe’s third-tier competition, the one treated as an unwanted distraction by Tottenham, among others, in its inaugural form last season.

But this is West Ham. The West Ham who routinely see relegation as an occupational hazard. The West Ham who made a song and dance of leaving their old stadium and an almighty hash of moving into the new one. The West Ham who had to go begging to their former manager to save them from the drop, 18 months after they got rid of him when he had done just that.

Just nine weeks ago that same manager watched as the away fans unfurled a ‘Moyes Out’ banner during a scratchy 1-0 win over Fulham, which likely saved his job. Now David Moyes has written his name in West Ham folklore, joining Ron Greenwood and John Lyall as trophy-winning Hammers managers. A place in next season’s Europa League means the club has qualified for Europe three campaigns in a row, for the first time. Relive a dramatic Europa Conference League final below:

Europa Conference League final - LIVE

• Fighting in the streets of Prague leads to fan arrests

• 35’ - Biraghi suffers cut head after being hit by objects thrown from the crowd

• 45+4’ - Jovic heads a rebound into the net but the Fiorentina man is ruled offside

• 61’ - GOAL! Benrahma buries a penalty after VAR signals a handball (1-0)

• 66’ - GOAL! Bonaventura quickly equalises with a finish into the far corner (1-1)

• 89’ - GOAL! Bowen bobbles in a last-minute winner to put Hammers ahead (2-1)

• WEST HAM WIN UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE

A thousand matches later and Moyes finally has his crowning glory

Wednesday 7 June 2023 23:15 , Karl Matchett

There were two men running free in the Fiorentina half. First Jarrod Bowen, en route to winning West Ham United their first trophy in 43 years.

And then David Moyes, sprinting on to the Prague pitch in celebration, arms stretched out wide. It was a run that was 25 years in the making, a journey that took him from the Auto Windscreens Shield to the Europa Conference League.

Few clubs have waited longer for the emotional release of securing silverware. Few managers, either. It began in a derided knockout competition for Moyes, the Auto Windscreens where Preston North End, newly under a 34-year-old centre-back, faced Macclesfield in January 1998.

A quarter of a century later and, in game No.1,097 of a marathon managerial career, Moyes had a major honour he could call his own. He had said credited Sir Alex Ferguson with the Community Shield his Manchester United claimed, perhaps thinking there would be further glory for him at Old Trafford.

There wasn’t. But if Moyes has long been destined to be remembered as the man miscast as Ferguson’s successor, he has other places in footballing history. The best Everton manager since Howard Kendall is in select company. Like Ron Greenwood, like John Lyall but like no one else, Moyes has won something with, and for, West Ham.

Rich Jolly on West Ham boss Moyes and his first piece of silverware:

A thousand matches later and David Moyes finally has his crowning glory

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 23:00 , Karl Matchett

MOYES speaks!

“It’s a great moment to share with your family. From young boys they want to support you and you don’t always get moments like these.

“It’s a brilliant club who do brilliant work in the community. You can see the players, there are 65,000 we’ve sold nearly all season.

“Team decisions were difficult calls and we felt the full-backs could attack a bit more. But in the end winning finals is the important thing. This year we’ve beaten Europe. Two brilliant years and we get another one now!”

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:55 , Karl Matchett

Declan Rice is asked about his immediate future:

“At the moment there’s a lot of speculation about my future. I’ve still got two years left at West Ham, there hasn’t been anything yet. I’m enjoying tonight, I am captain and I cannot speak highly enough of this club - let’s wait and see what happens.”

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:53 , Karl Matchett

Declan Rice talking to BT:

“You can see everyone, the lads have been so on it. I’m not just happy for us and the manager but also the staff behind us, the chefs, the player liaisons. I’m just as happy for them, they deserve it.

“When Bowen ran through I said to myself this is your time. When it hit the back of the net I was in shock, it’s incredible.

“We got in two hours before kick-off and it was full. This is what it means to us. They’ve made me one of their own, I can’t even describe it.”

POSTGAME: West Ham end trophy drought as Jarrod Bowen plays the hero

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:48 , Karl Matchett

Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute winner saw West Ham United end their 43-year wait for a trophy with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.

The Hammers won a first piece of silverware since 1980’s FA Cup, and a first European trophy since 1965, on a historic and emotional night in Prague.

Yes, it may be only Europe’s third-tier competition, the one treated as an unwanted distraction by Tottenham, among others, in its inaugural form last season. But this is West Ham. The West Ham who routinely see relegation as an occupational hazard. The West Ham who made a song and dance of leaving their old stadium and an almighty hash of moving into the new one. The West Ham who had to go begging to their former manager to save them from the drop, 18 months after they got rid of him when he had done just that.

Full report:

West Ham end trophy drought in most dramatic style as Jarrod Bowen plays the hero

MIDGAME: West Ham fans leave Fiorentina player bleeding after being hit by objects

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:42 , Karl Matchett

West Ham United fans left a Fiorentina player bleeding from the back of his head after they pelted him with objects thrown from the crowd during the Europa Conference League final.

Cristiano Biraghi was struck on the head by something thrown from the West Ham end as he went to take a corner in the first half. He appeared to be pelted with cups of beer and a vape pen, while the assistant referee also looked to have been struck.

Play was temporarily stopped as Biraghi received treatment from the physios with blood pouring from the back of his head, although he was able to continue playing with a purple bandage around his head.

West Ham fans leave Fiorentina player bleeding after being hit by objects thrown

PREGAME: Violent clashes between West Ham and Fiorentina fans lead to arrests

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:33 , Karl Matchett

Czech police have detained 16 people after violent clashes between West Ham United and Fiorentina fans marred the build-up to the Europa Conference League final in Prague.

A group of black-clad Fiorentina fans attacked Hammers supporters in a bar in central Prague on Wednesday afternoon, injuring three patrons, authorities said.

Violent clashes between West Ham and Fiorentina fans lead to arrests

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:26 , Karl Matchett

Memories to last a lifetime indeed.

The first-ever trophy for plenty of these players, not just Moyes.

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:25 , Karl Matchett

Declan Rice walks up with the trophy...and for the first time in generations, a captain lifts silverware for West Ham!

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:24 , Karl Matchett

Such a contrast of faces and images after a night like tonight!

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:22 , Karl Matchett

Fiorentina players are now walking up and collecting their losers’ medals. Officials’ turn next. And then it’s West Ham United.

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:20 , Karl Matchett

Spare a thought for Fiorentina - they’ve lost two cup finals now this season. They were beaten in the Coppa Italia final by Inter Milan at the end of May, despite taking a third-minute lead in that game.

Now they’re on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline once more after a last-minute winner.

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:15 , Karl Matchett

Assistant coach Kevin Nolan, a former Hammers player, is showing his emotion and talking to BT Sport too.

“I feel like I played! We wanted this, two years in Europe and now to make it a third on the spin is brilliant.

“When you’ve got a quality squad and lads who have done the business, you’re going to have disappointed faces in a final. They’ve all contributed and it’s about the squad.

“The emotion of the lads and the fans, it’s unbelievable to be a part of.”

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:09 , Karl Matchett

Jarrod Bowen speaking on BT Sport after scoring the winner:

“You dream of scoring a last-minute winner and to do it in front of these fans, I thought I was going to cry!

“We haven’t had the best season but to give them this moment, I’m over the moon.

“In my position you make the run ten times and you might get the ball once. I had a lot of time but I was confident and knew what I had to do.

“I thought it was going to go to extra time and I’m so happy we’ve won it for everyone.”

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:07 , Karl Matchett

Let the photos speak their own words. Absolute joy...and despair, depending on your side of the fence.

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:04 , Karl Matchett

Absolute scenes of jubilation among the West Ham fans, players and bench - what a magnificent occasion for them down on the pitch.

David Moyes has the first-ever trophy of his managerial career, West Ham have a first trophy since 1980. Unbelievable stuff - all after Jarrod Bowen’s late, late winner.

FT: West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:02 , Karl Matchett

One more free-kick. We’re almost eight minutes past the 90 now. Fiorentina hammer it downfield and Cabral can’t win this header, Areola can’t claim it either...

...and there’s the final whistle!!

WEST HAM WIN THE EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE

90+5’ - West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 22:00 , Karl Matchett

We’ve had the five minutes. West Ham just lashing it downfield every chance they get, Fiorentina trying to find the right angle for a delivery into the box.

Amrabat crosses left-footed, Cabral knocks it down and Fornals wallops it away. Surely they are all but there now...

90+3’ - West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:57 , Karl Matchett

Ogbonna on for Antonio in a clear sight of where Moyes is goinf for the last couple of minutes. Rightly so!

No trophy since 1980; West Ham are suddenly minutes away from one in Europe.

90’ - West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:56 , Karl Matchett

Five minutes added on in Prague!

Fiorentina hit back in that type of time last time around, so the Premier League team must remain calm and keep their heads this time.

Bowen wins a free-kick and rouses the crowd.

Mandragora replaced by Barak for stoppage time.

GOAL! 89’ - West Ham 2-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:54 , Karl Matchett

GOAL! West Ham suddenly a minute away from the trophy!!!

Paqueta feeds a pass through and out of absolutely nowhere Jarrod Bowen is racing through, takes a touch and beats the keeper who can only get a thigh to it - it’s into the net, it’s 2-1 to West Ham and it’s definitely onside!

86’ - West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:49 , Karl Matchett

Igor on for Ranieri in the latest sub for La Viola.

Amrabat commits a foul by the touchline and is displeased about it, talking his way into a yellow card.

Rice takes the free-kick and they need a better delivery this time...it’s cleared once more.

82’ - West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:46 , Karl Matchett

Declan Rice has a chance to deliver a decent cross with several players up in the box but it’s a woeful delivery. Rice has been totally overrun tonight in the middle, very little impact at all.

Bowen is injured with some sort of thigh problem after landing hard, but he’s up and running again.

Well inside the final ten minutes now; will either team really push for the win in the 90?

79’ - West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:44 , Karl Matchett

All sorts going on! West Ham think they’ve got a penalty, Soucek almost scores, the ref blows his whistle...free-kick given the other way! Antonio with a slightly high boot into Milenkovic’s face in the end.

Good block before that as Fornals tried to squeeze a finish in at the far post.

75’ - West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:40 , Karl Matchett

Milenkovic is booked for a foul on Paqueta.

The free-kick is cleared away and Coufal decides that despite never having scored for West Ham before, tonight’s the night - first time from 35 yards.

Needless to say, it isn’t.

Fornals comes on for David Moyes’ side for the final 15 or so.

70’ - West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:35 , Karl Matchett

Paqueta with a bit of brilliance to evade his man and then thread a pass to Antonio - but the forward is offside and scuffs a shot straight at the keeper anyway.

Straight up the other end Mandragora has a wonderful chance to make it 2-1 as Cabral tees him up - but he opens the left foot far too much and steers the shot wide. Almost perfect.

GOAL! 66’ - West Ham 1-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:31 , Karl Matchett

All square! West Ham didn’t get set after blocking that first chance and when the ball comes back in from Amrabat, Bonaventura takes one touch to control and one touch to finish between two defenders and past Areola, into the far corner and in for 1-1!

65’ - West Ham 1-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:30 , Karl Matchett

Fiorentina attack the right channel with Gonzalez, he cuts it back for Cabral and his shot is blocked by Kehrer. Predictably, Fiorentina want a penalty for handball - there’s a touch of the arm but natural position and all that, Kehrer had his arm by his side.

Mandragora is booked for protestations.

64’ - West Ham 1-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:29 , Karl Matchett

The Hammers are suddenly flowing. They go looking for another straight away, Paqueta riling the crowd up with a big tackle and then a deep delivery towards Soucek almost yielding a chance on goal.

Fiorentina looking a little ragged for a few minutes after all their composure through the first hour of the game.

GOAL! 61’ - West Ham 1-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:25 , Karl Matchett

Said Benrahma scores!

He has to wait for two changes to be made, he has to hold his nerve...and does! Buried with his right foot, to the keeper’s left, high and perfect, 1-0 to West Ham!

Fiorentina sub: Saponara on for Kouame. Sub for West Ham too - Thilo Kehrer on for the injured Zouma.

59’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:23 , Karl Matchett

This is going to be a penalty! Biraghi ran past Bowen and touched the ball away with his fist - looks a stonewall from a second angle. The referee is over to his monitor after a look from the VAR.

And he gives it! Penalty to West Ham!

58’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:22 , Karl Matchett

Kouame curls in a shot on target - Fiorentina’s first of the night. It’s very routine for Areola to save, but just another sign for West Ham that they are leaving a bit too much to chance tonight.

Bowen is then absolutely fuming at the other end and wants a handball but the referee has given nothing and waves play on. Let’s see what the check says...

52’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:18 , Karl Matchett

Another aerial collision and treatment is required. The referee has his yellow card out but it’s hard to see who it’ll be for, they just bashed each other mid-air. Aguerd receives the booking and is fuming over it. He has a point, maybe got there marginally second but they just both jumped for the ball.

The referee is Carlos del Cerro Grande, by the way, from Spain. He has been fairly dismal so far.

48’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:13 , Karl Matchett

The Italians are quickly on the front foot after the restart.

West Ham throw one forward at Bowen goes up for it and crashes to ground cluitching his head - Biraghi gave him a marginal shove but there’s not a lot in it.

The eventual shot is deflected behind and the subsequent corner is cleared.

2H - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:08 , Karl Matchett

Change at the break for Fiorentina: Arthur Cabral is on for Luka Jovic.

We are back underway in Prague!

HT - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 21:04 , Karl Matchett

Scoreless at the break but plenty of talking points.

The referee has been one, with Hammers feeling they’ve got the raw end so far. Benrahma was deservedly booked for a dive, though.

Meanwhile it’s the West Ham fans who have been atrocious inside the stadium.

West Ham fans leave Fiorentina player bleeding after being hit by objects thrown

Lionel Messi confirms he will sign for Inter Miami in huge coup for MLS

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:57 , Karl Matchett

Massive news from around the football world:

Lionel Messi has confirmed he will complete a free transfer move to American side Inter Miami, ending rumours he would join former rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

The Argentinian World Cup-winner leaves Paris Saint-Germain after two years in Ligue 1 and now heads to MLS, his first senior club outside of Europe having spent his entire career at Barcelona prior to joining PSG.

Speaking in an exclusive interview to Sport and Mundo Deportivo, Messi confirmed: “I’m going to join Inter Miami. The decision is 100% confirmed.

“If it had been a matter of money, I’d have gone to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere. It seemed like a lot of money to me. The truth is that my final decision goes elsewhere and not because of money”.

With the deal yet to officially go through, exact details surrounding the length of contract and how much he will earn are still to be confirmed.

More details here:

Lionel Messi confirms he will sign for Inter Miami in huge coup for MLS

HT’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:52 , Karl Matchett

...No goal!

Offside it is and it certainly did look the case, just half a yard or so but a warning for the Hammers before the break.

And there is the whistle - half time and all square in Prague.

GOAL - 45+4’ - West Ham 0-1 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:51 , Karl Matchett

Into the net - but it looks offside!

Kouame’s header hits the post, it bounces out to Jovic and he buries his header on the rebound...but will it be ruled out? VAR are checking...

45’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:47 , Karl Matchett

Four minutes added on - the majority of this will be for that stoppage when Biraghi was hit on the head.

Kouame turns nicely in the left channel but his pass is heavy and overhit. Bonaventura then delivers a cross but it’s deflected and Areola gathers.

44’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:45 , Karl Matchett

Soucek knocks down a big cross but his header runs behind Bowen and there’s nobody else in there. West Ham showing an improvement at the end of the first half but no big chances for either team, really.

A spark needed in this fixture after the break, you suspect! Other than fan-related flashpoints, that is.

40’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:42 , Karl Matchett

Paqueta tries to quieten down the tempo after his team had barely touched the ball for a while. Benrahma wins a corner by...running the ball out of play. Not great work from the officials tonight it must be said.

The first corner is cleared behind; the second lands for Rice but his shot is blocked and cleared.

36’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:37 , Karl Matchett

Several West Ham players have had to go across and tell the Hammers fans to calm down and stop throwing stuff.

Why do adults need to be told this? Genuinely, incredible stupidity.

The referee leads the players off towards the other side of the pitch for a moment while Biraghi is patched up - loads of blood pouring out of him for a while there. He’s ready to carry on now, purple bandage around his head.

34’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:34 , Karl Matchett

Benrahma takes on two on the edge of the box and launches himself into the air. Clear dive, easy call. Yellow card for the winger.

Gonzalez beats someone down the right flank now for Fiorentina and Aguerd has to fly across and make a big slide tackle to concede a corner.

Biraghi is again pelted by cups and there’s immediately a lot of blood visible on his head - think the assistant referee was hit too.

29' - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:30 , Karl Matchett

David Moyes apoplectic on the touchline as Antonio is scythed down running down the touchline...and gets no free-kick.

Seemed a very routine decision but nothing given. Moments later Bowen beats his man and crosses in but it’s claimed by Terracciano in the air.

25’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:27 , Karl Matchett

Fiorentina looking marginally threatening now with a series of crosses into the box but Jovic can’t quite tee up Kouame.

West Ham fans continue to hurl empty plastic cups at the Fiorentina players taking the corner. The set-piece finds Milenkovic - he sends it over the bar by a distance.

21’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:23 , Karl Matchett

Jovic is closed out quickly as the ball bounces his way inside the box. One effort is blocked, the next is cleared quickly as he looks to pounce on the rebound.

Bowen wins a free-kick and a few ironic jeers sound out; Fiorentina are fairly dominant now with 69% of possession so far.

Oh, it appears David Moyes’ dad is in the crowd.

17’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:18 , Karl Matchett

West Ham players and fans alike getting irate with the referee - they feel too many tackles are being punished without any real contact in them.

Antonio embarks on a winding run through three or four challenges, then loses his footing before the last one.

A lofted ball towards Jovic at the other end of the pitch briefly poses a question of the Hammers’ defence, but Areola claims it.

13’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:14 , Karl Matchett

Bowen escapes down the right flank after Paqueta’s pass - but his cross is poor and cut out.

A throw-in bobbles around the edge of the area after only being half-cleared and it falls to the right boot of Declan Rice...but he scuffs his volley wide of the post.

9’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:12 , Karl Matchett

Mandragora fizzes a shot in from distance with his left foot - it’s well wide though and never troubling Areola.

It’s fairly slow-paced now, neither club really committing too many forward on the ball.

Dodo and Benrahma collide heads in mid-air and the Fiorentina man needs a bit of treatment - but he’s fine to continue.

5’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:06 , Karl Matchett

Gonzalez is claiming an elbow from Declan Rice. We can help him out: there wasn’t one.

The England midfielder may have brushed his hair with a fingertip but that’s about all. However, some plastic cups are thrown onto the pitch where Gonzalez lays holding his face, which is typically moronic and not at all called for.

Neither side really settled into bossing the game just yet.

2’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:05 , Karl Matchett

Here we go then in Prague. Bonaventura spins on the edge of the box and tries to shoot early on - he manages nothing but air.

Straight up the other end, Antonio scuffs away a shot of his own which is saved easily at the near post.

Plenty of noise inside the ground and a couple of early shouts from Fiorentina players for free-kicks when there looks absolutely minimal contact.

0’ - West Ham 0-0 Fiorentina

Wednesday 7 June 2023 20:01 , Karl Matchett

We are ready for kick-off...and off we go!

Europa Conference League final - latest updates

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:56 , Karl Matchett

Closing in on kick-off in Prague. Will it be Soucek and Coufal celebrating on home soil?

Another Czech, Vladimir Smicer, is out there on the pitch showing off the trophy. He did win in Europe of course, twice: the 2001 Uefa Cup and the 2005 Champions League, both with Liverpool.

Europa Conference League final - latest updates

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:47 , Karl Matchett

Ahead of kick-off: Here’s Carlton Cole talking exclusively to the Independent on tonight’s final, his coaching career and more.

Will his former side be celebrating a couple of hours from now?

Carlton Cole on West Ham’s final, coaching and surprise sporting ‘love’

Europa Conference League final - latest updates

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:42 , Karl Matchett

We are now a little under 20 minutes from kick-off in Prague and the players have been having their warm-up.

Carlton Cole, in the studio for BT, is talking about the Hammers’ goal threat - Michail Antonio is the team’s top scorer and it’s imperative they give him service tonight.

Luka Jovic leads the line for Fiorentina and he has six in Europe tonight - all close-range finishes, first time, headers and finishes. A lethal marksman when he’s in form.

Europa Conference League final - latest updates

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:36 , Karl Matchett

Declan Rice speaking ahead of the final:

“[The relationship,] it’s really special. The fans see me as one of their own and I can connect with them.

“It’s so important to give time to them and it makes their day.

“When you get to a final there’s only one thing: Win. Empty the tank in a way, just give it everything. The lads are in a good place mentally and physically so let’s give it everything.”

Europa Conference League final - latest updates

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:31 , Karl Matchett

Let’s look at Fiorentina for a spell.

Their last Serie A title came in 1969, while their only European trophy in their history was the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1961. Since those days, a few more Coppa Italia triumphs are all they have, with their most recent pair coming in 1996 and 2001. That’s 22 years and counting without a trophy celebration.

Europa Conference League final - latest updates

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:25 , Karl Matchett

Odds for tonight’s game via Betway :

Fiorentina v West Ham (90mins)

Fiorentina 8/5

Draw 2/1

West Ham 17/10

To Lift The Trophy

West Ham 17/20

Fiorentina 19/20

David Moyes will not compare himself to Ron Greenwood and John Lyall

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:18 , Luke Baker

David Moyes may stand just one match from writing his name into West Ham folklore, but he will not compare himself to the club’s two managerial greats.

If the Hammers overcome Fiorentina in the final of the Europa Conference League on Wednesday night, Moyes will become only the third manager, after Ron Greenwood and John Lyall, to guide the east London club to a major trophy.

Greenwood, who went on to manage England, was in charge when West Ham won their only previous European trophy, the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1964, while their last piece of silverware, the FA Cup, came under Lyall in 1980.

David Moyes will not compare himself to Ron Greenwood and John Lyall

Europa Conference League final - latest updates

Wednesday 7 June 2023 19:09 , Karl Matchett

An entire generation of fans from both these clubs have never seen their team win a major trophy - that’ll be changing tonight for one set.

‘World was West Ham for a day’ says fan who attended Irons’ last European final

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:56 , Karl Matchett

A West Ham United fan who attended the Hammers’ last major European final in 1976 has recalled feeling like West Ham was “the only thing in the world” as there was claret and blue “everywhere you turned”.

Mark Sullivan, 57, was nine years old when he went to the European Cup Winners’ Cup final against Anderlecht at Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, with his late father Pat Sullivan and a group of his father’s friends.

Recalling the match, Mr Sullivan said he stood on a crate from a greengrocers to watch the game from the stands, which were mixed – Anderlecht fans stood side by side with those supporting West Ham, and one even shook his father’s hand when goals were scored.

‘World was West Ham for a day’ says fan who attended Irons’ last European final

Fiorentina team news

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:56 , Luke Baker

Here’s the Fiorentina XI. Goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu is out with an Achilles tendon injury as we already knew, so Pietro Terracciano dons the gloves.

Slightly more shockingly, Arthur Cabral isn’t in the starting XI as Luka Jovic leads the line for La Viola instead.

Fiorentina XI: Terracciano; Dodo, Ranieri, Milenkovic, Biraghi; Bonaventura, Amrabat, Mandragora; Kouame, Jovic, Gonzalez

Europa Conference League final - latest updates

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:49 , Karl Matchett

Route to the final:

West Ham topped their group ahead of Anderlecht, Silkeborg and FCSB, before beating AEK Larnica in the round of 16. Gent were dispatched in the last eight, then it was a battle on and off the pitch as they knocked out AZ Alkmaar in the semis.

Fiorentina finished second behind Istanbul Basaksehir and ahead of Hearts and RFS. They then beat Braga in the knock-out play-off before seeing off Sivassport in the round of 16, Lech Poznan in the quarters and Basel in the semis.

West Ham team news

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:42 , Luke Baker

Ok, the team news is in for West Ham and the major surprise is that Emerson Palmieri is preferred to Aaron Cresswell at left-back, with the Englishman dropping to the bench.

Cup goalkeeper Alphonse Areola starts between the sticks, Vladimir Coufal is picked ahead of Thilo Kehrer at right-back and Said Benrahama gets the nod over Pablo Fornals as the attacking pivot.

Declan Rice captains the side in surely his final game for the club.

West Ham XI: Areola, Coufal, Aguerd, Zouma, Emerson, Rice, Soucek, Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma, Antonio

Carlton Cole exclusive interview: West Ham’s final, a coaching career and his surprise ‘love’ of the world’s most sustainable sport

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:34 , Karl Matchett

On Wednesday, West Ham United fans all over the country will spend the day somewhere between utter anxiety and outrageous optimism, preparing for the chance to win their first major trophy since 1980.

The Hammers face Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, a little over a year on from making the semi-finals of another European competition and falling just short. This time, there’s real optimism over them going the distance and lifting silverware, a moment which would be truly unique for a generation of supporters.

Among them will be a certain Carlton Cole, striker for the Hammers for close to a decade from 2006 to 2015, now a coach within the Academy setup - and still very much someone hoping the club go the distance this time.

The memories of last year and being close enough to touch a final appearance will spur the side on, but nothing can be taken for granted at this stage, he says.

Karl Matchett’s exclusive interview with ex-Hammers striker Cole:

Carlton Cole on West Ham’s final, coaching and surprise sporting ‘love’

Golf and water parks can help West Ham to European glory, says Thilo Kehrer

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:25 , Karl Matchett

Thilo Kehrer has urged his team to write their names into the West Ham history books by winning the Europa Conference League final – and believes a squad bonding trip to Portugal can help them on their way.

The Hammers face mid-table Serie A side Fiorentina in Prague on Wednesday night with the aim of lifting their first major piece of silverware for 43 years.

The 1980 FA Cup was their most recent major trophy while their solitary success in Europe was clinching the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965.

Kehrer is determined for West Ham to finish the job at the end of a rollercoaster season that produced a 14th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Golf and water parks can help West Ham to European glory, says Thilo Kehrer

David Moyes ready for ‘biggest moment’ of career in first European final

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:15 , Karl Matchett

David Moyes admitted it was “surreal” to walk out at the Eden Arena in Prague preparing for his first European final, the “biggest moment” of his career.

Moyes’ West Ham United face Italian side Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final in the Czech capital on Wednesday night.

The 60-year-old, who began his managerial career with Preston in 1998, is yet to lift a major piece of silverware, the Community Shield with Manchester United in 2013 notwithstanding.

Moyes is looking to become the first British manager since Sir Alex Ferguson, the man he replaced at the then champions, to lift a trophy, and join the former United boss in the pantheon of great Scottish managers in the English game.

David Moyes ready for ‘biggest moment’ of career in first European final

Violent clashes between West Ham and Fiorentina fans lead to arrests ahead of European final

Wednesday 7 June 2023 18:05 , Karl Matchett

Czech police have detained 16 people after violent clashes between West Ham United and Fiorentina fans marred the build-up to the Europa Conference League final in Prague.

A group of black-clad Fiorentina fans attacked Hammers supporters in a bar in central Prague on Wednesday afternoon, injuring three patrons, authorities said.

Videos on social media showed fans setting off flares and throwing tables at the bar located just off Prague’s Old Town Square. A police officer was also attacked.

“Italy fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar on Rytirska street, injuring three,” Czech police said on Twitter. “A police officer was also attacked. We have restricted the personal liberty of 16 people.”

Violent clashes between West Ham and Fiorentina fans lead to arrests

West Ham vs Fiorentina live stream: How to watch Europa Conference League final online and on TV tonight

Wednesday 7 June 2023 17:56 , Karl Matchett

West Ham United stars will be hoping to write their names into club history on Wednesday, when they face Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.

The likes of Declan Rice and Michail Antonio are aiming for the first major trophies of their careers, while as a club the Hammers are hoping to end over four decades of waiting to see silverware lifted with their ribbon colours attached.

Fiorentina finished in the top half of Serie A this season so will present a huge test - West Ham came 14th in England - but La Viola have themselves gone more than 20 years without a big trophy too.

In Prague, one of those clubs will end their long waits and their fans will have a celebration for the ages; the other will be left to wonder what might have been, and have to get ready to do it all again next year.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the final.

How to watch West Ham vs Fiorentina online and on TV tonight