Palladino: ‘Fiorentina criticism, but now ride wave of enthusiasm’ | OneFootball

Raffaele Palladino admits Fiorentina ‘received a lot of criticism’ in recent months, but the wins over Juventus and Atalanta mean they can now ‘ride the wave of enthusiasm’

The Viola are well and truly back in the running for a Champions League place, because following the 3-0 victory over Juventus, they disposed of Atalanta 1-0 this afternoon.

Moise Kean was again decisive, pouncing on an Isak Hien error to sprint forward from the centre-circle and beat Marco Carnesecchi, while Luca Ranieri had a huge opportunity to double their lead.

“We must thank the club and the President, who built a strong squad with great human as well as footballing qualities,” Palladino told DAZN.

President Rocco Commisso had flown in from the United States of America and was in the stands of the Stadio Franchi.

Palladino from sack rumours to Fiorentina enthusiasm

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 30: Head coach Raffaele Palladino manager of ACF Fiorentina and Nicolo’ Fagioli of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Atalanta at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 30, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

It is remarkable to see Fiorentina flying high just a few weeks after questions were raised about potentially firing the coach.

“The directors have always been by my side and the lads have shown great progress. If we are at this level of the table challenging for European places, and are also in the Conference League quarter-final, everyone deserves the credit.

“Now we must ride this wave of enthusiasm without setting any limits for ourselves.”

When asked if there was a turning point in the season that shifted their fortunes, Palladino insisted it was only natural that this new project would take a while.

“It was a process we had to go through, which also means learning from difficulties. We received a lot of criticism, but the team never gave up. These are great professionals. I knew that sooner or later, we’d find this quality of football and organisation off the ball.

“We allowed practically nothing to Atalanta today, so we must keep pushing. We started the season with one idea, then moved to another system and have now found an approach that we like. We can have a great end to the season, with this spirit and hunger.”

Palladino is one of the many current Serie A coaches who learned their trade under Gian Piero Gasperini, although he was unable to greet his mentor on the touchline today because the Atalanta coach was forced to watch from the stands.

“I am happy, but it was not a battle between me and Gasperini, it was between Fiorentina and Atalanta, two excellent teams. We held out in every duel, both defensive and attacking. We’ve recreated some of the magic we felt at the start of the season, so now we’ve just got to keep going.”