Palladino: ‘I realised Fiorentina needed something different’ | OneFootball

Raffaele Palladino reveals the decisions that fundamentally changed Fiorentina’s season, culminating in this 5-1 demolition of Roma. ‘I realised these lads needed something different.’

The Viola stuttered in the opening weeks of the campaign, which started earlier than most for the Conference League play-offs, but have well and truly found their form lately.

They have now notched up five consecutive victories in all competition, scoring 19 goals and conceding four.

Roma were swept aside 5-1 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi this evening thanks to a Moise Kean brace, Lucas Beltran penalty, Edoardo Bove solo run and Mats Hummels own goal.

Palladino is given credit for sparking this turnaround with his switch from a three-man defence to four, closer to the system Vincenzo Italiano had used in recent years.

“I tried working for two months with a certain tactic, but then understood these lads needed something different,” explained the coach on DAZN.

“When we changed the system and with it a few of the tactical principles, I noticed the team felt more comfortable. We have found an identity and self-confidence, but it is thanks to these players, all I did was put them in a condition to give their best.”

Palladino revamped the Viola

Yacine Adli in Fiorentina-The New Saints

EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI

Another crucial crossroads for the Viola was the introduction of former Milan midfielder Yacine Adli pulling the strings.

“I agree, Adli gives us dynamism, quality and unpredictability. However, this evening I want to praise everyone and not talk about individuals. If I have to pick one, it would be Pietro Comuzzo, who tonight confirmed he is a defender with bright prospects. He won every duel with Artem Dovbyk.”

Comuzzo also sprained his ankle in the final minutes and eventually had to limp off because Fiorentina had completed all their substitutions.

Bove was particularly impressive against his old club, but as he is currently only on loan with an option to buy from Roma, will this performance prompt Fiorentina to make the investment?

“Ask the club, my only focus is on the next match against Genoa,” replied Palladino.

“We must remain humble and keep riding the wave of enthusiasm. I can count on everyone, it is not easy for a team to change this much and still maintain that identity. They are great professionals and great men.”

Considering Milan have a game in hand, Fiorentina are currently fourth in the Serie A table, just one point behind Juventus and two shy of Inter.

“I am not looking at the table, because I never did. Perhaps I am doing this wrong, because I cannot even manage to fully enjoy victories, I’m already thinking of the next game,” concluded Palladino.