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After Fiorentina-Atalanta, the coach of Viola, Raffaele Palladino, spoke at a press conference to comment on the match.

Below is an excerpt of the words of the Fiorentina coach after the splendid victory against Atalanta which rekindles hopes for the Champions League dream.

Fiorentina, Palladino’s words

What marked the turning point for this Fiorentina?

“I don’t think there was a single moment that made the difference, it was a journey. If today we are still in the race for Europe and in the Conference League two months from the end, it means that everything has worked well. From the beginning, from the retreat. I must thank the club for providing me with a group with very strong technical, human, and physical values. We have often changed the game system, but it is the daily work that gives value to the standings and performances.”

Against the big teams, you always give your best, is it a coincidence?

“We always play important matches against the top teams and that makes us happy. But we must also remain focused against teams that are more central in the standings. I asked the boys to live these two months with intensity, enthusiasm, and awareness. I see them calm, convinced, but we must maintain humility.”

In the end, you asked for the help of the public.

“Our approach is always to think game by game, even though we have clear goals. Now we will go to Milan to play a great match, with the right spirit. I have a balanced group. We dedicate the victory to the president, who was with us and transmitted energy to us in the locker room.”

RAFFAELE PALLADINO CARICA MOISE KEAN ( FOTO DI SALVATORE FORNELLI )

Will Gosens be available for the next match?

“Yesterday in the final training session, he took a knock to the knee, it’s a bruise. It shouldn’t be anything serious, we hope to recover him for Tuesday.”

Did Parisi have physical problems?

“Just cramps. He’s fine.”

How do you judge Zaniolo’s entry?

“I liked everyone who came in, the game was in a delicate phase. Those who come off the bench are often more decisive than the starters.”

Is this the Fiorentina you imagined at the beginning of the season?

“I was given a squad of great quality. Today we also added physical strength: against a team like Atalanta, we won many duels and second balls. The values were there, we just had to work. Even criticisms have helped us grow. Gasperini? It wasn’t a personal challenge, I was sorry not to see him because he was suspended. But this was Fiorentina-Atalanta, and after the victory against Juventus, it was important to maintain continuity.”

Today you didn’t even concede a shot on goal.

“We were up against very strong and technical players, so it’s a matter of pride. It was a bit of a fragmented match, but it’s normal with so many duels. We made some mistakes in transition.”

Now you press much higher, what has changed?

“My idea has always been the same, even in Monza we wanted to attack forward. It’s not a matter of formation, but of principles. When we switched to 4-2-3-1, we dropped back a bit, it was a moment when we felt more secure that way. Now, however, we can push more: with Pablo Mari, we have a defender who loves duels, and the team is in great physical shape. This also allows us to recover when we lose the ball.”

How is Fagioli working?

“He has enormous potential, he is a champion. Look at what he does in tight spaces, but also his defensive work: we were talking about it just the other day. If he continues like this, he can go very far. He needs to feel part of the project, trust, and affection. The teammates have welcomed him very well, and he is giving everything he has.”