Palladino: 'Fiorentina success also De Gea saves as if he's 20'

Palladino: ‘Fiorentina success also De Gea saves as if he’s 20’

Raffaele Palladino outlines the secrets behind the success of his remarkable Fiorentina side after seven straight wins, including ‘David De Gea making reaction saves as if he’s aged 20.’

The Viola had stuttered at the start of the campaign, but have truly found their feet under a new coach, registering seven consecutive Serie A victories.

They conquered Como, coached by Cesc Fabregas, 2-0 this afternoon thanks to goals from Yacine Adli and Moise Kean.

“The lads have two fundamental things: motivation and values,” explained Palladino to DAZN.

“They always want to learn and do something better in every training session and every game. They are also great people on a human level. I am pleased with what they are doing and how it was not easy to keep that focus after the break for international duty.”

COMO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 24: David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina gestures during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on November 24, 2024 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Along with the young players in the squad, the coach also wanted to single out more experienced elements like Lucas Beltran and goalkeeper De Gea, the latter making an extraordinary triple save when it was still only 1-0.

“We are Beltran who chases down opponents and runs like a defender. We are Riccardo Sottil who comes on and makes the difference. We are De Gea who makes reaction saves as if he’s aged 20.

“Having said all of that, we have achieved nothing yet. There is a sense of unity and this marvellous team spirit has been created. I dedicate the victory to the President, as it is his birthday tomorrow.”

The player who has most been transformed under Palladino’s guidance is Kean, who for the first time in his career has found the net in four consecutive top flight games.

“Moise did not actually have his best game today, but he scored a goal and that is all people seem to be interested in. We worked hard with him in training and the credit is above all his, because he put the effort in and is now reaping the rewards. He can and must continue to grow.”

Fiorentina are currently joint Serie A leaders with Inter and Atalanta, awaiting Napoli and Lazio results later today, and will go head-to-head with the Nerazzurri next weekend.

“It is satisfying to be in this position, but I told the lads to enjoy this evening and then start thinking about the Conference League,” concluded Palladino.

“There are many games to go before January, we’ve got to take it one at a time and be competitive on all three fronts.”