Fiorentina defeated Celje 2-1 in the first leg of the UEFA European Association League quarter-finals in the 2024/25 season, thanks to goals from Luca Ranieri and Mandragora. Palladino said he felt a little sorry for the team's goal loss, but at the same time believed that the team's tactical adjustments had found the right direction.

In the 27th minute of the match, Luca Ranieri received a pass from Florencio and broke through the defense in the penalty area to score, helping Fiorentina to take the lead 1-0. In the 61st minute of the second half, Fiorentina midfielder Mandragora was kicked by the opponent, and Fiorentina was awarded a penalty kick. Subsequently, Mandragora took the penalty kick and scored, helping Fiorentina to continue to lead Celje 2-0.

In the 68th minute, Celje striker Matko was brought down by Pongracic, and Celje was awarded a penalty kick. Later, Delaurier Schaube scored the penalty kick and Celje tied the score at 1-2.

In the end, Fiorentina beat Celje 2-1 away.

Fiorentina coach Palladino said, "If we analyze the whole game, our team played very well, every player gave a positive response, and the team entered the game in the right way. We know that Celje is not an easy opponent to deal with, and they also showed their strength today."

"The only regret is that we conceded a goal. With a 2-0 lead, we should have better controlled the tempo of the game and passed the ball more purely. Perhaps it was our lack of experience that led to us losing the ball. It's a pity, but it's not over yet. Facing an excellent team, our goal is of course to advance."

It is worth noting that many Fiorentina players were shown yellow cards in this game, including Zaniolo, Facioli and Luca Ranieri.

Palladino said, "I won't be angry about the yellow card because it is part of the game. Maybe many yellow cards can be avoided, but no matter who plays next week, I believe they will have a good performance. Zaniolo performed very well and he tried his best for the team. I am also very satisfied with the performance of other players. Florencia played a position he was not familiar with, but he adapted very well."

As for the formation adjustment, Paladino shared, "We changed some tactical principles. Previously, we preferred to defend low because we thought it was the way we needed most. Now we are more confident, have more advantages in the midfield, and the defense and forwards are also very strong."

"We are in the right direction and the hard work from the first day of pre-season training has helped us get to where we are now and we have to keep doing it until the end of the season."