Palladino: ‘Fiorentina not favourites against Milan’ in big Week 31 match

NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 09: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Fiorentina, reacts during the Serie A match between Napoli and Fiorentina at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Raffaele Palladino thanks Fiorentina for ‘helping me emerge from that difficult moment’ in the season, but denies they go to San Siro as favourites against struggling Milan.

It kicks off on Saturday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at San Siro.

Unexpectedly even a few weeks ago, this is a head-to-head for position because the Viola are four points clear of a Milan side languishing in ninth place.

They surged up the standings after three wins in the last four Serie A matches, including back-to-back victories over Juventus and Atalanta.

“We worked hard and kept pushing for what must be our values,” said Palladino in his press conference.

“I thank the club and players for helping me to emerge from that difficult moment, as January and February were not easy. We had a wobble in January, but with hard work, the right mentality and the qualities of this group, we came out of it. I want to thank the squad for that.”

Palladino and Fiorentina in front of stuttering Milan

Milan were in action last night in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter, held to a 1-1 draw after Hakan Calhanoglu cancelled out the Tammy Abraham opener.

“I watched the game, Milan did well both in possession and off the ball. I expect a difficult match, but we’ve got to keep going along our path against a strong team, built for the top places in the table.”

Palladino was asked if he feels that Fiorentina are in the rare position of going to San Siro as favourites?

“I don’t think that’s the case, we need to keep our balance and go to Milan with great humility, keep our heads down and continue working the way we have been.”

Yacine Adli will face his parent club, while Riccardo Sottil moved the other way in the January transfer window.

“Andrea Colpani is moving towards recovery, he will return to training next week. Robin Gosens is still feeling pain in his knee, but we trust he’ll be ready for Saturday,” noted Palladino.

“When I arrived, people said Sottil couldn’t express his talent fully, but then he decided to change club. I told Riccardo what I needed to, face to face, and obviously I wish him all the best at Milan.

“I don’t want to talk now about the players for next season, because we have to concentrate on the present. Yacine needs to find a sense of consistency and to fully recover, but I am really counting on him.

“The same goes for Nicolò Zaniolo, he has the right attitude and just needs to wait for his moment.”