Raffaele Palladino was supposed to be an upgrade on former Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano, but that’s not been the case thus far. La Viola stuttered on Sunday’s trip to Empoli, playing out another disheartening 0-0 draw amid an embarrassing Serie A start.
After cementing Monza’s top-flight status during his two-year stint at the Brianteo, Palladino arrived in Florence with high expectations. Only six rounds into the new campaign, the enthusiasm among the Fiorentina faithful is quickly waning.
Palladino’s charges have yet to find their rhythm and put enough points on the board, leaving fans frustrated with the lack of progress under his management. Only one win from the opening six matches (D4, L1) keeps Fiorentina stranded in mid-table.
Underwhelming results seemingly don’t bother Palladino. His side failed to produce a shot on target against Empoli and had David de Gea to thank for getting away with a point. However, the 40-year-old tactician insists his Fiorentina players are on the right path.
“I’m getting great responses from these guys even though we’ve only been together for a short time. We’re finding a team solidity,” Palladino said after the match, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. “What’s important is the team’s mentality.
“Today we experimented with a 4-2-3-1, but we can also play with three at the back. We’re growing and we’re also reaching a team maturity.”
Fiorentina fans would hardly agree with their manager. But Palladino will have a chance to live up to his words when his men take on Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi next weekend.
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