Palladino: “Fiorentina want to qualify among the top 8”

Fiorentina’s coach Raffaele Palladino expressed his determination and optimism ahead of the UEFA Conference League match against Pafos. In an interview with Sky Sport, Palladino stated, “I will try to put the best possible formation on the field; there is a lot of positive energy. We must play a spirited game. We must and want to qualify among the top eight: it matters to us and would allow us to play two fewer matches in February.” This statement underscores the team’s ambition to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase, which would grant them direct entry into the knockout rounds.

Palladino also provided an update on Icelandic player Gudmundsson, who is recovering from an injury. “Gudmundsson has only trained with us twice, but he moved well: he is working well, and I hope to have him ready for Inter if things go well in these days. Both of us care about this appointment,” he said. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining mental balance and focusing on each day as it comes, acknowledging the challenge posed by the upcoming match against Pafos. “We have a difficult match ahead of us. Then, from Friday, we start thinking about Inter,” Palladino added.

Reflecting on his team’s recent performance, Palladino noted, “The team has two things that are fundamental: motivation and values. The motivations that want to always continue to grow and the human values they possess.” He praised his players’ unity, stating, “We are Beltran, who attacks and defends; we are Sottil, who makes a difference when he comes on; we are De Gea, who saves like a 20-year-old. There is a great union. We attack and defend together.”

Fiorentina is set to face Pafos at Stadio Artemio Franchi, with both teams tied in points in their group standings. This match is crucial for Fiorentina as they aim to continue their strong performance in both European and domestic competitions. The team has been in excellent form recently, having won six consecutive Serie A matches and showing resilience despite a recent defeat in the Conference League against APOEL. Palladino acknowledged this setback but remained focused on future challenges: “I told my players to enjoy the evening, but from tomorrow we start thinking about the Conference League. We will play every three days; we need to think one game at a time.”

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