Fiorentina took a crucial step towards the UEFA Conference League semi-finals with a 2-1 away win over Slovenian side Celje, but head coach Raffaele Palladino admitted there was “one regret” from an otherwise composed and professional performance: the inability to keep a clean sheet.
Goals from Luca Ranieri and Rolando Mandragora put the Viola firmly in command, but a second-half penalty from Logan Delaurier-Chaubet halved the deficit and keeps the tie open heading into the return leg in Florence
A solid start, a frustrating finish
Fiorentina were the brighter side from the start, asserting control in midfield and pressing with intensity. Their reward came in the 22nd minute when Ranieri pounced on a loose ball following a corner, stabbing home to silence the home crowd.
Just before the break, Mandragora doubled the lead with a curling strike from the edge of the box—his first European goal of the season and a moment of real quality that underlined Fiorentina’s dominance in the opening half.
But midway through the second period, Celje were handed a lifeline. A defensive lapse saw Fiorentina lose possession deep in their own half, leading to a rash challenge and a penalty. Delaurier-Chaubet sent Pietro Terracciano the wrong way to make it 2-1.
Palladino: “One Regret” in a good performance
Speaking after the match, Palladino praised his players for their approach and attitude but was left frustrated by the sloppy moment that allowed Celje back into the contest.
“The one regret is the goal we conceded,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “At 2-0, we have to understand the rhythm of the game better and manage possession more smartly. Maybe it was a bit of inexperience.”
Despite the setback, the Fiorentina boss was full of encouragement for his side’s overall performance and tactical evolution.
“We’ve found the right path,” he added. “We’ve changed our system, and the benefits are showing. We’re more confident, more compact, and our quality is coming through.”
With key players like Moise Kean and Albert Gudmundsson rested, Lucas Beltran and Nicolo Zaniolo led the line. Palladino praised Zaniolo for a “good game” playing both as a first and second striker, while Folorunsho earned mention for adapting to an unfamiliar role.
The shift from a 4-2-3-1 to a more balanced 3-5-2 has also paid dividends, Palladino said, allowing Fiorentina to press higher and make better use of their technical midfield core.
Fiorentina return to the Stadio Artemio Franchi with a slim lead and the knowledge that Celje remain a threat, particularly after their disciplined second-half showing. However, with their tactical growth and squad depth on display, the Viola will be confident of finishing the job on home soil.
