Fiorentina head coach Raffaele Palladino praised the spirit and maturity of his side after they came from behind to claim a crucial 2-1 win away to Cagliari on Wednesday evening. He described it as a result that shows the strength of the group.

A win that shows who we are

“It hasn’t been the easiest week for us,” said Palladino. “With all the travel disruptions and limited time to prepare, we came here focused on the performance. Turning the match around in these conditions speaks volumes about the character of this team.

“The players gave everything: heart, maturity, grit and mentality. This was a win for the group that overcame a lot this week and didn’t want any excuses. Everyone was focused on giving their all and getting a result.”

The coach dedicated the win to Moise Kean, who was absent due to a family matter, and to the fans: “This one is for Moise and for our supporters, who weren’t with us today but will be there on Sunday.”

Responding without Kean

Asked about playing without their main striker, Palladino said: “Moise is a very important player for us, our main goalscorer, but tonight the team showed we can deal with these situations. The group adapted well, even when the match became tricky, which often happens against a side like Cagliari.

“I was really pleased with how Albert Gudmundsson and Lucas Beltran worked together. They complemented each other and when Nicolo Zaniolo came on he also did very well and could’ve scored.”

No regrets, only focus

Despite points dropped earlier in the season, Palladino is looking forward, not back: “We’re a month from the end of the season, in a European semi-final and still fighting for a European place in the league, which shows we’ve done a great job. Of course there are points we let slip, but now the past is in the past. We have to finish strongly and take Fiorentina as high as we can.”

Strength through adversity

Reflecting on how the group responded to recent challenges, the coach was proud: “This team grows in difficult moments. After a week with hardly any training and a lot of disruption, the lads showed real focus and mental strength. That tells you everything.

“Our recent form is strong – five wins and two draws from the last seven – and we’re looking at the positives. No pressure, just belief.”

A turning point?

Midfielder Rolando Mandragora said this could be a defining win. Palladino agreed: “It’s a strong signal, not to the league, but to ourselves. We were yet to win a match like this against a side battling at the bottom. We stayed calm, adapted well and showed we’re ready to fight until the end.”

With only four points separating several teams in the table, the coach knows everything is still open: “It’s like the last kilometre of a bike race with 20 riders close together. It’s tight and we’ll go for every point.”

Gudmundsson and Beltran impress

On the new-look attack, Palladino praised the duo: “They’re both unusual forwards, more like false nines, but they worked very well together. We actually had to change our approach and prepare it all with video and the tactics board, because we couldn’t train. The players absorbed it all brilliantly and I’m pleased with everyone's contribution.”

Thanks to Cagliari

Palladino also took time to thank the hosts for their help: “We thank Cagliari and coach Davide Nicola for letting us train at Asseminello. It was unexpected and a real gesture of goodwill. It wasn’t about strategy, but it gave us the chance to prepare as well as we could. We’re grateful for that.”