FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Raffaele Palladino of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League match between ACF Fiorentina and Pafos FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 28, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Raffaele Palladino admits Fiorentina’s 3-2 Conference League victory over Pafos was ‘inevitably marred by two entirely avoidable goals,’ but is fired up to face Inter.
The Viola really do delight in making things difficult for themselves in the Conference League this season and that was on show again at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
They wasted opportunities to put the game to bed and then allowed cheap goals to leave it a tense finale, eventually squeezing past Cypriot side Pafos 3-2.
“It is a victory for the group, which was not easy, because Pafos are a well-organised team who know how to play football and until tonight had never conceded more than two goals,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.
“There was a great spirit, but the performance is inevitably marred by giving away two entirely avoidable goals.”
Palladino frustrated by Fiorentina errors
The second was particularly embarrassing, as goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano was robbed while playing out from the back, allowing Jaja to tap into an empty net.
“At times we coaches say these pat phrases in post-match interviews, but I prefer to speak the truth,” noted Palladino.
“I am fortunate to have lads who give their all in training, but we can improve in every area. The more we work and train together, the better we will get.”
Lucas Martinez Quarta was moved into a surprise new role as a midfielder and even managed to score a goal, following on from Christian Kouame and the own goal, but also limped off injured.
“I knew he would have a great performance there, it was not a decision I made out of nowhere. I had seen him during the week in training, he is very versatile and always gives his all. He’s also got an eye for goal. I am pleased.”
Fiorentina have won their last seven Serie A games and this weekend go head-to-head with Inter.
“This is a strong team, the Champions of Italy, but we have to experience this as a magical night and enjoy it to the full. We’ve got to play them with an open and attacking approach,” concluded Palladino.
Morocco
