Paratici Confirms Worrying Injury Update for Kean, Emphasizes Importance of Under-23 Teams for Reforms

Fiorentina director Fabio Paratici has shared a concerning injury update regarding Moise Kean, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming match against Lazio. He also reiterated the essential role of Under-23 teams in implementing broader reforms within the sport.

The Viola are facing a significant injury crisis leading up to tonight's game at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, scheduled to kick off at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST). In addition to Kean, the team is dealing with absences due to injuries to Fabiano Parisi, Marco Brescianini, Niccolò Fortini, Luca Lezzerini, and Tariq Lamptey. Furthermore, Albert Gudmundsson and Nicolò Fagioli are suspended.

Paratici Discusses Fiorentina's Situation and Reform Plans

"Kean is giving his absolute best to recover as quickly as possible, but we are uncertain about the exact timeline for his full recovery, as his condition tends to fluctuate," Paratici stated in an interview with DAZN Italia. "I prefer to concentrate on the players who are available. Piccoli has been performing exceptionally well, and we have great confidence in him."

Having joined Fiorentina in February after his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, Paratici has been assessing the club's challenges. He commented, "When a club doesn't meet expectations, there are often multiple underlying issues. Our focus, however, is on finding solutions. We've rolled up our sleeves and are working diligently. We understand it will be a tough fight until the end, and we will earn our place in Serie A one point at a time."

In the broader context of Italian football's efforts to transform following their failure to qualify for the World Cup, 18 out of 20 clubs have reportedly endorsed Giovanni Malagò's candidacy for the new FIGC President position. Paratici expressed his support, saying, "Malagò has held a very distinguished role previously, achieving excellent results. He is a charismatic figure who can represent us effectively at a high level, bringing new ideas that we must all collaborate on to propose and implement for Italian football as a whole."

He further elaborated on his vision for reform: "In my opinion, the Under-23 team is a fundamental component of these reforms. More clubs should establish their own Under-23 squads. Once Fiorentina is sufficiently organized to do so, we will establish ours. We have a strong youth academy, and we believe this is a necessary step for the development of our young players."

Tonight's match also marks a reunion between Paratici and Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri, who previously worked together briefly at Juventus. Paratici reflected, "I haven't had the chance to speak with Sarri yet. I want to emphasize that he was with us for a year at Juve, and despite perceptions, it was a highly successful period. We won the Scudetto, narrowly lost the Coppa Italia Final on penalties, and also competed in the Supercoppa Italiana. I would consider that a very strong campaign."

English Translation:

Fiorentina director Fabio Paratici has shared a concerning injury update regarding Moise Kean, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming match against Lazio. He also reiterated the essential role of Under-23 teams in implementing broader reforms within the sport.

The Viola are facing a significant injury crisis leading up to tonight's game at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, scheduled to kick off at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST). In addition to Kean, the team is dealing with absences due to injuries to Fabiano Parisi, Marco Brescianini, Niccolò Fortini, Luca Lezzerini, and Tariq Lamptey. Furthermore, Albert Gudmundsson and Nicolò Fagioli are suspended.

Paratici Discusses Fiorentina's Situation and Reform Plans

"Kean is giving his absolute best to recover as quickly as possible, but we are uncertain about the exact timeline for his full recovery, as his condition tends to fluctuate," Paratici stated in an interview with DAZN Italia. "I prefer to concentrate on the players who are available. Piccoli has been performing exceptionally well, and we have great confidence in him."

Having joined Fiorentina in February after his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, Paratici has been assessing the club's challenges. He commented, "When a club doesn't meet expectations, there are often multiple underlying issues. Our focus, however, is on finding solutions. We've rolled up our sleeves and are working diligently. We understand it will be a tough fight until the end, and we will earn our place in Serie A one point at a time."

In the broader context of Italian football's efforts to transform following their failure to qualify for the World Cup, 18 out of 20 clubs have reportedly endorsed Giovanni Malagò's candidacy for the new FIGC President position. Paratici expressed his support, saying, "Malagò has held a very distinguished role previously, achieving excellent results. He is a charismatic figure who can represent us effectively at a high level, bringing new ideas that we must all collaborate on to propose and implement for Italian football as a whole."

He further elaborated on his vision for reform: "In my opinion, the Under-23 team is a fundamental component of these reforms. More clubs should establish their own Under-23 squads. Once Fiorentina is sufficiently organized to do so, we will establish ours. We have a strong youth academy, and we believe this is a necessary step for the development of our young players."

Tonight's match also marks a reunion between Paratici and Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri, who previously worked together briefly at Juventus. Paratici reflected, "I haven't had the chance to speak with Sarri yet. I want to emphasize that he was with us for a year at Juve, and despite perceptions, it was a highly successful period. We won the Scudetto, narrowly lost the Coppa Italia Final on penalties, and also competed in the Supercoppa Italiana. I would consider that a very strong campaign."