Palladino Defends Fiorentina After Crucial Victory Against Lazio

Following Fiorentina’s 2-1 triumph over Lazio, coach Raffaele Palladino took the opportunity to address recent criticisms and rumors surrounding the team. He emphasized the squad’s unity and determination to prove their detractors wrong.

The Viola had been struggling, failing to secure a win in 2025 and managing only two points from their previous six matches. However, they came out strong against Lazio, taking a 2-0 lead within the first 17 minutes of play. Despite intense pressure from the home team, Fiorentina held on for a crucial victory.

Palladino expressed his frustration with recent media coverage, stating, “So much false and inaccurate information has been written about us. The suggestions of a divided group not working towards the same goals are completely unfounded. This victory is dedicated to ourselves, to counter the many false narratives that have been circulating, not about our results, but about our team dynamics.”

The coach praised his players’ character and quality, highlighting their strong start to the match. He also commended the team’s Argentine striker, Lucas Beltran, for his versatility and work ethic, suggesting that he might be better suited to a supporting role rather than as a traditional center-forward.

Palladino also addressed recent squad changes, noting the impact of losing Edoardo Bove and the importance of Michael Folorunsho’s contributions. He expressed his desire for the team to maintain their positive attitude for the remainder of the season.

The match ended in a tense atmosphere, with both Palladino and Lazio’s coach Marco Baroni being sent off in the closing stages. As a result, both will face touchline bans for their next fixtures.

This victory marks a significant turning point for Fiorentina, potentially silencing critics and boosting team morale as they look to improve their position in the Serie A standings.