VENICE, ITALY – MAY 12: Head coach of Fiorentina Raffaele Palladino gestures during the Serie A match between Venezia and Fiorentina at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 12, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Raffaele Palladino was furious with the VAR after Fiorentina’s 2-1 defeat to Venezia and insists their European ambitions are not over yet. ‘You don’t always get what you deserve.’
It has been a rough few days for the Viola, who crashed out of the Conference League semi-final in extra time to Real Betis on Thursday, then this evening were beaten 2-1 away to Venezia.
Now this result has seen them slide down behind Milan into ninth place in the table.
However, Palladino’s fury was reserved for the opening Fali Candé goal, as although there are some suggestions of handball, the VAR footage was not clear enough to overturn the decision.
“That first goal is definitely handball and should’ve been disallowed,” the coach told DAZN.
“The sensation was already clear from the touchline, especially as we have tactical cameras with a good angle. It’s disappointing, because football is about incidents and these can make the difference in a match. We accept the error, but it is a clear error that was decisive for this goal.
“Aside from that, we were also unlucky because we hit the woodwork and then in the same move conceded the second goal. We have to accept that too. The team reacted, but we were unable to get the equaliser.”
Palladino fury at VAR and Fiorentina misfortune
Just 30 seconds after Luca Ranieri’s effort was tipped onto the upright by goalkeeper Ionut Radu, Venezia went on the counter to go 2-0 up with Gaetano Oristanio’s header.
“There is disappointment, as the lads gave their all and so did I, which is why I lost my voice,” continued a croaky Palladino.
“Now we have two matches to go and we must try to get as many points as possible.”
Fiorentina made the trip to the Stadio Penzo without injured Moise Kean and Danilo Cataldi, while Albert Gudmundsson was sent to the stands.
“When you play every three days, that takes a lot out of you, both mentally and physically. I tried to recharge the mental batteries over the last few days, because going out of Europe was a heavy blow,” added Palladino.
“We put in the performance, even without the vivacity that Venezia could count on with two quick strikers on the transitions. There is disappointment, but this is football, we have to accept the verdicts on the pitch.”
Fiorentina confirmed their coach several days before the Conference League semi-final by locking him down to a long-term contract.
“There are two games to go this season and we could still qualify for Europe, if someone else slips up the way we did today, so it’s not over yet,” added Palladino.
“I invite everyone to give their all and then we’ll see where we are at the end. As for my contract, it is not the length of the deal that makes me feel secure, but the work I do every day. The objective is to get into Europe, that is our ambition and the lads deserve it. Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you deserve.”
