Raffaele Palladino admits it was ‘complicated to break down’ a very defensive New Saints in the Conference League, but Fiorentina ‘fear the worst’ for Rolando Mandragora’s injury.
It was turning into another frustrating slog for the Viola when goalless at half-time against a Welsh side that was having its historic first ever UEFA appearance proper.
Mandragora hit the crossbar and seemed to sprain his knee in the process, but they eventually earned a 2-0 victory with goals from Yacine Adli and substitute Moise Kean.
“It was a good response from the lads, I thanked them for working so hard. We learned that it’s never easy in the Conference League, as you encounter teams who defend very deep, cover all the spaces and it was complicated to break them down in the first half,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.
“We did what we needed to, pinned the opponents back, created lots of scoring opportunities, but we had a bit more width in the second half, made a few tactical modifications and it was a positive performance.
“I know that I can count on everyone, so it was pleasing to see those who haven’t had much space so far this season stepping up, and the other positive is that we kept another clean sheet. Our defensive solidity is very important.”
Palladino forced to reshuffle Fiorentina pack
The defence was totally revamped this evening, because Lucas Martinez Quarta, Luca Ranieri and Pietro Comuzzo were suspended, plus Marin Pongracic injured, so Cristiano Biraghi was a makeshift centre-back and Matias Moreno held on for 90 minutes.
Adli had a rare start and scored his first goal in the Fiorentina jersey since the move from Milan late in the transfer window.
“I have a great rapport with Yacine, he’s a very sensitive guy, but also a leader within the squad and good fun to be around. He proved his quality today, he has to improve his fitness levels, but that is my job to slowly get his minutes up,” continued Palladino.
“This is a team that needs many leaders, because three quarters of the squad arrived this season and when there are many changes, getting a group dynamic going takes time. We are slowly improving in that too and I can see that alchemy coming together.
“Everyone played well today and I’d love to name them all. I got a great response, we can improve in some aspects and be more determined in front of goal, but there were plenty of positives.”
Kean scored again off the bench, though he could’ve had another when his tap-in from four yards was palmed off the line and seems to finally be finding his form under Palladino’s guidance.
“Moise is just proving his worth. He’s a great professional, an extraordinary guy who from the first day has been sacrificing himself for this team. He can be more incisive in the penalty area and I am pushing him hard on that, as every game he has three or four scoring opportunities. If he improves that conversion record, it really will be the final step forward.”
There is one very negative pall over the match for Fiorentina and that is that Mandragora seemed to sprain his knee when the shot hit the crossbar, with Palladino preparing fans for a long lay-off.
“I don’t want to assume the worst or make any diagnosis before having tests, but looking at his face and hearing what he said, I do think this is likely serious.”
