Palladino explains surprising Fiorentina experiment | OneFootball

Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino explains why he has moved defender Lucas Martinez Quarta to a new midfield role against Pafos in the Conference League this evening. ‘He knows football.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Lazio-Ludogorets and Tottenham-Roma on the Liveblog.

The Viola have won their last seven Serie A matches to put them joint second in the table and their excellent form was only interrupted in the Conference League by a surprise 2-1 defeat away to APOEL Nicosia.

That means they have six points from three rounds, the same as tonight’s opponents Pafos, who are top of the table in Cyprus.

Palladino gives new role to Martinez Quarta

epa11708723 David Abagna (L) of APOEL in action against Lucas Martinez Quarta of Fiorentina during the UEFA Conference League match between APOEL FC and ACF Fiorentina in Nicosia, Cyprus, 07 November 2024. EPA-EFE/GEORGE M MICHAEL

Palladino rotates the squad, but the big surprise is using central defender Martinez Quarta in a more advanced midfield role.

“He is a very intelligent player, he knows football and is versatile, so I tried him out in a variety of positions and he enjoys being there,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“He can play very well in that position today, but aside from the individual, I want to see a strong team performance.

“We must be aware of Pafos and their excellent away record, where they won every game and never concede more than two goals.”

Considering Fiorentina lost to APOEL Nicosia, there is the concern that Pafos can play in a similar style.

“Exactly, in the Conference League we are facing teams who defend very deep. That is their strength, a lot of intensity and counter-attacks, so we must be wary,” concluded Palladino.

“I am interested in seeing us start strong this evening, as too often we have started sluggishly in Europe.”