Fiorentina renews Palladino's contract 24h before Betis game

Fiorentina renewed Palladino's contract until 2027 on Wednesday, just a day before the second leg of the Conference League semi-final against Real Betis in which they lead by one goal (2-1).

"Fiorentina announces that it has exercised the operation, in favour of the club, for the extension of coach Palladino's contract until 30 June 2027," the club said.

The renewal is a sign of confidence for the coach ahead of the most important game of his time in Florence, where he joined this season from Monza.

Palladino and Fiore must come from behind in Thursday's second leg at the Artemio Franchi as they chase what would be the club's third successive final in this competition, having lost the 2023 and 2024 finals to West Ham and Olympiacos respectively. It would be, should they reach it, the 41-year-old's first European final.

Palladino replaced Vincenzo Italiano and, although he struggled at the start of the season, managed to keep his side among the most competitive in Italy with an eye-catching style of play that allows them to dream of European competition next season and, ideally, a European title.

Fiorentina, until the match against Betis, had gone nine consecutive matches without defeat. The recent defeat against Roma complicates their aspirations of playing in the Champions League next season, but with three games to go they are only four points away.