Abate praises Mandragora’s ‘quality and leadership’ after inspiring Torino to win against old club Fiorentina | OneFootball

Torino head coach Ignazio Abate was full of praise for his team after their 2-1 comeback victory against Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi on Saturday afternoon.

Torino slipped behind to a goal from Fiorentina’s Mateo Pellegrino before Rolando Mandragora scored against his former club and Che Adams gave the visitors the winner.

Speaking on Mandragora, who only signed for Torino from today’s opposition four days ago, Abate said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb: “Raising the quality of the players raises the quality of our play. We knew we were missing a few pieces; in the middle of the pitch, we needed quality and leadership, and Mandragora is a great signing.”

FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Rolando Mandragora of Torino FC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 5, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Abate then praised the attitude of his team: “We need this kind of spirit: after Petti’s mistake, the defenders rallied around him and gave him a hug. That is the essence of football and it’s what I want to see. Every coach has their own tactical style, but it’s the spirit that makes the difference. This victory gives us a bit of relief, which is something you always need in football.”

The coach defended his decision not to start Giovanni Simeone in attack: “It was a tactical decision. He had played three matches in a row, and Adams looked really sharp in training. I wanted to add an extra midfielder and move Vlašić further forward.”

FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Ignazio Abate manager of Torino FC reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 5, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Abate: ‘I told Adams I’d be delighted if he stayed’

When asked to explain his mid-game tactical shift, Abate detailed how he adapted to Fiorentina’s second-half push:

“We controlled possession really well for the first 35 to 40 minutes, but then Fiorentina pushed their line higher up, which is why I decided to switch to a diamond in midfield. Cömert had a great game in a back four, I’m delighted with Bragança’s impact off the bench, and Fitz showed his work ethic once again. But honestly, I’m pleased with everyone.”

FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Che’ Adams of Torino FC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 5, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Finally, Abate opened up about Che Adams’ summer, addressing the transfer speculation that surrounded the striker before his match-winning performance:

“I spoke to him right away and told him I’d be delighted if he stayed. He has power in his legs, he can hold up the line on his own, and he knows where the goal is. He’s crucial for us. There are always annoying transfer market dynamics at play, but from our end, the desire to keep him was always there.”

Torino sit in 13th after their first three games of the season, losing their first two games before Saturday’s victory. A tough challenge awaits them next Monday, when they host in-form Roma.