The New Saints make history but are beaten by Fiorentina in Europa Conference League

The New Saints battled to a 2-0 defeat against Fiorentina in their first ever Europa Conference League group game, with Yacine Adli and Moise Kean on target for the hosts

The New Saints put up a valiant fight before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against Fiorentina on a historic night in Italy. TNS made history as the first Welsh league club to progress past the qualifying rounds of a UEFA competition, and their inaugural Europa Conference League group match saw them face a formidable journey to Florence.

Despite Fiorentina being runners-up for the past two seasons, it took them 65 minutes to break through the resilient TNS defence, with Yacine Adli scoring the first goal swiftly followed by Moise Kean's second. Connor Roberts, TNS goalkeeper, anticipated a busy night and he didn't disappoint, pulling off a superb fingertip save to deny Christian Kouame in the 10th minute.

Roberts also managed to keep out a Lucas Beltran shot at the near post and TNS were thankful for the woodwork in the 43rd minute when Rolando Mandragora’s effort hit the post. Fiorentina dominated possession and finally broke through 20 minutes into the second half, with Adli capitalising on a fortunate ricochet on the edge of the box after a run down the left from Jonathan Ikone, finding the bottom corner.

The game was then sealed for Fiorentina four minutes later, again with a touch of luck as Matias Moreno’s strike deflected and landed at the feet of former Everton striker Kean, who tapped in at the second attempt after Roberts had initially denied him.

TNS' only significant opportunity to score came in the 75th minute when Declan McManus nearly converted Joshua Daniels' pass. Goalkeeper Roberts made further saves from Kean and Amir Richardson, keeping the deficit at two.

The Cymru Premier side's next European match is scheduled for later this month at home against Astana.