Palladino hints at strong Fiorentina line-up against Celje in 1st leg

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)

Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino hints he will field close to his strongest line-up in the Conference League quarter-final against NK Celje. ‘We must not make the mistake of having the wrong mentality.’

The first leg kicks off on Thursday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) in Celje.

Robin Gosens is still out of action with a knee issue, but there will be very little squad rotation following the 2-2 Serie A draw against Milan at San Siro.

“Robin is doing better and we will evaluate his return over the next few days, but we have other alternatives in his role, such as Fabiano Parisi and even Michael Folorunsho,” said Palladino in his press conference.

The Viola reached two consecutive Conference League Finals and are aiming for a third, even though they lost the previous two in 2023 and 2024 under Vincenzo Italiano.

“All our opponents fought so hard against us, really determined and fired up to beat Fiorentina, so we must not make the mistake of stepping onto the field with the wrong mentality. It would be incredibly stupid.”

Fiorentina will not underestimate Celje

Celje are one of the least well-known clubs still in the competition at the quarter-final stage, but they won the Slovenian title last season.

“We know it will be difficult and the atmosphere passionate, so we must not underestimate anything,” continued Palladino.

“Celje have a lot of quality, they are unbeaten at home and the reigning champions domestically. It would be a big error for us to think we must get the tie under lock and key in the first leg, we have to view this over both games, with energy, spirit, and hunger.

“They are a technical team, who often change tactical system, and score a lot of goals. A whole country is waiting for this game, so we must be ready for battle with a ferocious mentality.”

Palladino hinted he will not hold back on his strongest XI in Slovenia tomorrow, confirming that David De Gea will go in goal rather than Pietro Terracciano, but there are two who could potentially rest.

“Moise Kean and Dodo played more than anyone this season, so I have reflected very carefully. They are important players for us, so we’ll see tomorrow, I won’t tell you who is starting. The Conference League is a big tournament, we are proud to be in the quarter-finals, and want to go all the way.”