Milan, Italy – April 5: Fiorentina head coach Raffaele Paradino looks ahead of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Fiorentina at the Studio Giuseppe Meassa held in Milan, Italy on April 5, 2025. (Photo: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Raffaele Palladino believes that some people may underestimate Serge before the conference league quarterfinals, but Fiorentina claims she came up with a “two or three” match plan to fight them in Game 2 on Thursday night.
Fiorentina is leading the Slovenian opponent 2-1 in the middle of the conference league quarterfinals thanks to goals from Luka Ranieri and Rolando Mandelagola in Serge last Thursday.
The two teams will meet again in the decisive second game at the Franchi on Thursday evening, kicking off early at 17.45 BST.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Palladino worked on many topics, including his match tactics, his reaction to Serge’s coach, and the publicisation of his support for Nicolo Fagiori after his name appeared in the press last week.
Viola’s coach began by evaluating what he saw from the players in the final days of training leading up to Serge’s decision-maker. TMW.
“Aside from those who are disqualified, everyone is fine. It’s just that Kolpani is still recovering and he will probably be joining next week.
“We’re taking games into each game and wanting to be competitive in both competitions. I said it on the first day, but now I’m still saying it. I don’t want to ignore anything.
“It’s great to be a month and a half away from the end of the season and fight for Europe. We want to play until the end. Our thinking must be ambitious. The same can be said for conferences.
Why Fiorentina didn’t put Celje on the sides in the first leg
Palladino argued that facing Serge was not as easy as some people expected, and went on to explain why playing against teams that deploy low blocks is not an easy task.
“You need to unlock defenses against teams that are trying to give you a try. You need to have more patience and technically play better. Move the ball quickly and pay attention to your opponent in transition. That’s not easy.”
Palladino was also asked if Moise Kean is expected to start on Thursday. “Moise does a great job, but there are others. I’ll choose based on what I need for tomorrow’s match. I’m happy with the offensive department. I’ll have two tomorrow: Kean, Gudmundsson and Beltran.”
Palladino was also invited to the evening with Fiorentina President Rocco Commasso. Here’s what he had to say about the encounter: “We had a beautiful evening with him and his wife. It’s always fun to be with him. We recognize the fact that he loves Fiorentina, the club and the whole environment.
“I appreciate his contributions and the support he has always given me. He’s the person I love and it’s not easy to find someone like that in football.”
Palladino responds to Celje Coach’s “warning”
Serge coach Albert Riera said at a pre-game press conference that Fiorentina needs to “be careful” his side on Thursday night.
Palladino fought back with his own warning. “I listened to them as always, but I’m thinking about the facts. I leave the chit chat to others. For me, those words were motivating.”
And what did Palladino make last Celje performance?
“We were hoping for teams that know how to play football, well trained, and have a clear principle of how to play. Some outsiders may have underestimated them, but on our part we were always valuing them. We should decide the same thing tomorrow and give us the utmost attention to everything.
Palladino also spoke about Nicolo Fagiori. Nicolo Fagiori was raised in the press last week after details were revealed from his deposition from the seven-month ban era for violations.
“I’ve told him a lot over the last few days. He’s fine. He’s said what he has to say on social media platforms. He was clear, honest and honest. I can’t add anything else.
“I can always say I support and love my players. Nicolo has it from me all the time, I will always protect him.”
