Palladino: ‘Fiorentina vs. Juventus can change opinion of entire season’ | OneFootball

Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino warns the game against Juventus ‘can change the opinion of an entire season’ and the fans have been waiting a year to experience this moment.

It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Viola have had mixed form recently, losing four of their last five Serie A matches, but on Thursday beating Panathinaikos 3-1 to book their place in the Conference League quarter-final.

“There is a great atmosphere today, people in Florence have been waiting a year for this game,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“We want to give the fans a magical evening and we’ll give it our all, albeit knowing we are up against a strong and wounded opponent.

“It is not easy to prepare for a match like this with only two days, but the psychological aspect is often more important than the physical, so I expect a strong response today.”

Palladino sees decisive Fiorentina moment

FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal with Domilson Cordeiro dos Santos known as Dodo of ACF Fiorentina during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Lecce at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 28, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The squad is bolstered by the return of Rolando Mandragora and Nicolò Zaniolo from suspension, while Yacine Adli is still not 100 per cent fit and Andrea Colpani out injured.

“After getting through in the Conference League, another very important match arrives at the right time, because it can change the opinion of an entire season,” added Palladino.

“The lads know that and they were very fired up.”

There will be emotional scenes in the stands, where Fiorentina director Joe Barone’s family has gathered, a year on from his death.

Fiorentina legend Gabriel Omar Batistuta is also reported to be at the Stadio Artemio Franchi this evening.