It took new Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino five matchdays into the 2024/25 Serie A season to get off the mark. La Viola fought back from a halftime deficit to see off Lazio 2-1 at Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday early afternoon.
Marquee summer arrival Albert Gudmundsson converted two second-half penalties after coming from the bench to inspire Fiorentina to a confidence-boosting victory. Today’s success was a much-needed result for Palladino’s side after picking up a meager three points in the opening four Serie A rounds.
The former Monza head coach recognizes the importance of unburdening a massive weight off his shoulders with a long-awaited victory. After a gut-wrenching 3-2 defeat at Atalanta last weekend, Fiorentina had to deal with a halftime deficit again on Sunday. But this time, they had Gudmundsson to bail them out.
“We had been seeking this victory for a while and in the first half could’ve gone in front with Andrea Colpani,” the Fiorentina boss told DAZN, as reported by TMW. “There are strong figures in this squad, because to go behind against this Lazio and turn them around was not easy. Those who came on really changed the game and we ultimately deserved the result.
“We were timorous in the first half. I never want to see my players be timorous, they must have spirit and courage, so this must not happen. We played better after the break, were clean technically too in our passing,” Palladino continued.
“We really needed this victory, it is a weight off our shoulders. I want to dedicate this win to President Rocco Commisso and the fans, who are our real strength.”
Fiorentina will resume their Serie A season next weekend with a Tuscan derby against surprise package Empoli at Stadio Carlo Castellani.
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