Fiorentina-Betis, Palladino: "I didn't sleep to prepare for the match. The renewal? A source of pride"

Florence, May 7, 2025 - Fresh from renewal of the contract until 2027, mister Raphael Palladino spoke at a press conference to present the highly anticipated challenge against the Betis Seville, valid for the return leg of the semi-final of Conference League.

We start from the 2-1 of the first leg in favor of Pellegrini's team, but the Viola are aiming to overturn the score thanks also to a 'Franchi' that has been exhausted for days now. "The renewal was a surprise for me too, president Commisso told me half an hour ago. It was beautiful and pleasant, a source of pride and confidence. I thank director Ferrari, Pradè and Goretti, we have had a great journey together. My staff and I have an extra responsibility that motivates us, to take Fiorentina as high as possible. Starting tomorrow. It will be difficult but we will try with all our strength to take Fiorentina to the final".

Compared to the outward journey, what extra leap do you have to make?

"We studied the first leg, we played a great match against a strong team. We can and must do better technically to put them in difficulty, we could have done it in the first leg too where we made mistakes that we usually don't make. The team is fired up, they're doing well, tomorrow we'll be 22.000 plus 20 players against Betis".

What did the match between Inter and Barcelona leave you with?

"I saw the match, we congratulate Inter, Inzaghi and all of them. They played with spirit and courage, it will stay in our minds for a long time. Yesterday I saw exhausted players, with physical problems, but they didn't give up until the end. That's what we have to do, sweating for our shirt until the end of the match. We want the final, if they are better than us we will accept the result".

Where is this match played?

"We have to start strong, make our opponents understand the imprint we want to give to the game. We have an important attitude and spirit, aware that our minds must focus on the details. The game can also be unlocked in the second half. They have values. The game is played in two phases, we have to do them perfectly. Sunday's game teaches us that those who play better do not always win games".

Did you choose the Conference over the league?

"In the meantime, let's think about tomorrow, from Friday we'll think about the championship, where everything is open and there are still nine points available. We want to be ambitious and competitive on both fronts."

Which Fiorentina do you want to see tomorrow?

"The Fiorentina of the last two months, the one born from the second half of Napoli. We have grown in terms of play and intensity. The team is able to understand the moments now, it has an important maturity".

How are Dodo and Cataldi?

"Dodo has been training with the team for a few days, he's fine. Cataldi had a muscle strain on Thursday and won't be available."

Who plays in place of Cataldi?

"We have Rolando, Yacine can play as a playmaker like Fagioli. As mezzali there are Richardson and Folorunsho. There are various solutions, I will try to field the best formation. I would like to tell you who plays, but we won't reveal anything so as not to give advantages".

Do you expect Lo Celso on the pitch from the start?

"We know the quality of Betis, individually they are very strong. We knew that the transitions and one-on-ones could be dangerous. We know that we will have to play a game of duels. Whether Lo Celso starts or not will be indifferent."

Is the hunger for a comeback and the concern the same as the eve with Panathinaikos?

"We'll need maturity. We'll need to understand what the moments of the game will be. We could go to extra time, everything is open. We'll need mentality and confidence. We'll have to give it our all. I feel a great sense of responsibility towards these guys, because they felt a great desire for revenge for the finals lost and I haven't slept these days to prepare for tomorrow's game."

What does it mean to play in a European final so young?

"With a one-goal deficit we will start as underdogs so we will need a comeback but we always come out on top in difficult situations. We will give it our all, the boys will give their all. It's nice to play for a place in the final, it's the most important match of my career".