Palladino hails Fiorentina ‘character, courage and intensity’ with Milan | OneFootball

Raffaele Palladino was happy with Fiorentina’s ‘character, courage and intensity’ in the 2-2 thriller with Milan. ‘It was a very enjoyable game, we are on the right track.’

The Viola had the perfect start at San Siro, surging into a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes thanks to a Malick Thiaw own goal and Moise Kean adding to his remarkable seasonal tally.

However, Tammy Abraham got Milan back into it and Luka Jovic struck after the hour mark against his former club, with Luca Ranieri and Dodo seeing their celebrations cut short in disallowed goals.

“We came here to San Siro against a great team, because individually Milan have players of such quality that can turn a game at any moment, but we played with character, courage and intensity,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“We created so many scoring opportunities to win the match. Aside from that, it really was a very enjoyable game that we could’ve won or lost, as Milan had chances too, but the important thing is we are on the right track.

“Now we have picked up seven points from three matches against Juventus, Atalanta and Milan, so I am truly satisfied.”

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Palladino keeps Fiorentina focused

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Fiorentina, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 05, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Both goalkeepers were forced into stunning saves too in a very entertaining and open match, but the frustration got to Palladino, who was sent off in the final minutes.

It also struck Albert Gudmundsson, who seemed rather unhappy at being substituted during the second half.

“Obviously, all players want to be on the pitch, especially in such a great game, but everyone is important, and I needed fresh legs after Milan made changes to push hard,” explained Palladino.

“Milan were doing more preventative marking on Kean in the second half, as they were afraid of our counter-attacks, but he worked with such intensity, spirit of sacrifice and went into every duel.

“Our phenomenal goalkeeper was also decisive, everyone made the difference today, and I felt it was a great advertisement for Italian football. I hadn’t seen such an intense game for years.”

The point apiece practically rules Milan out of the running for the top four, and keeps them four points behind the Viola, who remain in the hunt for even a Champions League spot.

“I have to pour cold water over these things, keep a low profile. We are on the right path, we’ve just got to keep going like this, are in great shape, have enthusiasm and focus,” responded Palladino.

“We must be ambitious, but at the same time keep our heads down and humble, because it’s all wide open and we’ll fight it out to the end.”

So far this season, and especially in recent months, Fiorentina have done better against the big clubs than the so-called minnows.

“It is true, against the mid-table to lower-table sides, we certainly had some indecisiveness, dropping points along the way. Now the target in these remaining games is to change that trend,” concluded Palladino.