Palladino explains Kean exclusion and expects Cagliari to ‘defend’ | OneFootball

Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino admitted that he decided to keep their top scorer Moise Kean out of his side’s starting XI against Cagliari to preserve his fitness due to a congested fixture list that will require everyone ‘to be ready’.

Following their home meeting with the Rossoblu on Sunday, the Viola will play five more games until the end of 2024 and this led him to manage Kean’s condition by initially keeping the striker on the bench, as he believes he’d still be able to help his team in the second half ‘if needed’.

The Stadio Artemio Franchi will host its first Serie A game after last Sunday’s dramatic night, with Edoardo Bove’s pitch-on collapse leading to the suspension of their clash against Inter. However, Palladino said the midfielder is ‘doing well’ and that they are looking forward to having him back.

FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Raffaele Palladino of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League match between ACF Fiorentina and Pafos FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 28, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Palladino on why Kean starts from the bench and Cagliari gameplan

“Kean is rested because there are so many games, one every three days, so we must all be ready to face these many challenges,” Palladino told DAZN before the match.

“He starts from the bench and if needed he can give us a hand in the second half.

“Aside from the players, I think it is the attitude of the whole team that makes the difference. The strikers are the first line of defence, we all defend and attack together.

FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Verona at Stadio Artemio Franchi on November 10, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

We know that we are up against a Cagliari side who will probably focus on defend and counter, so we need to be wary of those transitions and expect a game of intensity.”

The former Genoa manager concluded with some reassuring updates on Bove: “I speak to him several times a day,” he said.

“We are happy that Edo is doing well, we cannot wait to embrace him again.”