Nenad Tomovic he played for a long time with the shirt of Florentinewhile now it dresses that of the Cypriots of Nea Salamis. Interviewed by FirenzeViola.itanalyzed the performance of the Giglia team: “I always follow them, I saw the last good match against Milan. I’m happy for my former teammate Palladino who has come to his senses. Up until now he was playing well, but without being able to give But little by little we are seeing his ideas because the team is new and the coach is also pleased that Fiorentina is returning to where it deserves to be, at the top of Serie A.”
Was Palladino already a coach on the pitch?
“He was a person very open to dialogue, who always helped me with advice. You could see that he had something more. He was a great friend with Juric and certainly followed his work. It doesn’t surprise me that he became a coach.”
As a double ex of Lecce and Fiorentina, what emotions does this match give you?
“Lecce was a square that remained in my heart for its warmth and its extraordinary people. I have many beautiful memories: the first year we achieved historic salvation and I remember a great celebration in the city. However, for me Florence is everything: it’s where I felt best and where I spent wonderful years. This match I support Fiorentina the most.”
Was it right to change compared to the historical group of the three-year Italian course?
“Yes, even if Fiorentina has reached a top level in Europe in recent years. However, it was right that after two lost finals something should change. According to Fiorentina’s mentality, Palladino is the right person to start from scratch. It will take time and patience , but I’m sure that the Viola will reach an even higher level than that achieved by Italiano, who for me still did an extraordinary job.”
The new attack is made up of Gudmundsson and Kean. Do you like it?
“Yes, a lot. Palladino brought his ideas for the attack from Monza which had already worked. I’m happy for Kean, an excellent player who has had difficulties in recent years. Fiorentina could be the right place for him.”
More problems for the defence, are you convinced by the Ranieri-Comuzzo pairing?
“First I must say that I am very happy that Fiorentina finally has an excellent right back. Dodò is doing an extraordinary job. Comuzzo is a young bet, patience and trust are needed in him. Palladino certainly saw something in it. Ranieri on the other hand is now a confidence, he has grown a lot since we played together in SPAL. He is a pure Florentine who always gives everything for the shirt.”
Biraghi doesn’t find space, is it right to change the captaincy?
“I don’t know the dynamics of the locker room, but I think Biraghi is the captain of the team and will soon be back as a starter. In the meantime, wearing the armband must be an honor for these players.”
What does it mean for a defender to have a goalkeeper like De Gea behind him?
“He is pure security and when you have certain goalkeepers behind you you are all calmer. Inside the dressing room he brings experience and advice. I am happy that he responded well; some thought he had come to Florence for a walk, but he is proving to be a true professional.”
After San Gallo, Fiorentina will come to Cyprus to face Apoel. What team is it?
“The Cyprus airport is in Larnaca and I advise the club to stay here: it’s a beautiful place, there’s the sea and at least I can visit it (laughs, ed.). Jokes aside, Apoel last week the third coach has changed since the beginning of the year. Now the Spaniard Manolo Jimenez has arrived, who was Sevilla’s coach. They are a tricky team at home but Fiorentina are clearly superior.”