After a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Parma, Fiorentina defender Pablo Mari shared his thoughts on a tightly contested match that left the Viola wanting more.

In control but no goal

“It was a match we tried everything to unlock,” Mari began. “We tried corners, free kicks, long balls and our usual build-up play. We just lacked, in my opinion, a bit of that sharpness we’ve shown so far and that ability to find space inside, to make the final breakthrough. We controlled the match the whole time, but we were missing that final piece to get the goal and take all three points.”

Defensive battle in the first half

The first half offered few openings, with both sides engaged in a tactical chess match. Mari, alongside his fellow defenders, had his hands full with a physical Parma front line.

“It was a real battle at the back,” he said. “[Mateo] Pellegrino first, then [Milan] Djuric later. They are tough guys to deal with. Credit to them, their forwards had a great match, but I think we managed it well defensively. We played a great game at the back. We walk away with that bitter taste because, at this stage, three points would’ve been really important for us.”

Time to grow mentally

Asked about the team’s mentality, Mari highlighted the need for growth not so much in skill, but in mindset.

“As I said before, I think what we need to improve is more mental than technical. These points are crucial, especially now. The season is at a stage where every match counts and if we want to achieve something special, we have to grow fast. Matches come every three or six days and we can’t fall behind. Every team is playing for something, whether it’s the title or survival. No one can want it more than us.”

Eyes already on the next match

Despite the disappointment, there’s little time to take stock. Fiorentina return to action on Thursday for the second leg of their Conference League tie.

“That’s the good thing about football as you play every three days,” Mari said. “There’s no time to dwell or to spend a full week trying to fix things. We’ll have our meetings, we’ll review what needs to improve and we’ll move on. We have to put all our hunger into the next match.”

A rapid integration

Though a recent arrival, Mari has quickly established himself as a key figure, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

“I feel really good here,” he said. “I connected with the club’s colors right away. The locker room is full of important players and great people. I want to give everything for them and for the club. I’ve settled in quickly and I’m ready to fight for this team.”