Galloppa nerves ahead of Fiorentina debut: ‘Haven’t slept’

Fiorentina caretaker manager Daniele Galloppa admits he ‘hasn’t slept much’ ahead of his debut in the Conference League against Mainz 05 this evening.

It kicks off at the Mainz Arena at 17.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Rangers-Roma and Bologna-Brann on the Liveblog.

The Viola sacked Stefano Pioli on Tuesday after he managed only three draws in 10 Serie A rounds, leaving them propping up the table.

Their results in the Conference League have been markedly different, winning both matches against Sigma Olomouc and Rapid Vienna without conceding a goal.

As a decision on the new coach is yet to be made, Primavera youth team boss Galloppa was promoted to the caretaker role for this game.

“Considering how little time we’ve had, I preferred not to change the tactical set-up. We tried to work on a few things, but couldn’t transform too much,” Galloppa told Sky Sport Italia.

“Some choices were forced by injury and some lads are not at 100 per cent, while we felt Martinelli earned this opportunity and we can let David rest.

“I haven’t slept much, as I’ve been studying, but we have everything needed for the lads to give their all and fly the Fiorentina flag high.”

It has been a chaotic time for the club off the field too, as director Daniele Pradè resigned following protests from fans last week.

How did Galloppa first approach the squad in the locker room after a traumatic few weeks?

“My first words to the players were that if we don’t help each other, then nobody else will do it, so we’ve got to take the first step. The lads had also talked amongst themselves and took on responsibility, so I saw the right reaction in their eyes.

“I had some ideas on changes to make, but revolutions take time, so it wasn’t right to try that now.”

Galloppa was spotted chatting to Fiorentina director general Alessandro Ferrari during the warm-up, so what were they talking about?

“He told me to enjoy this moment, transmit enthusiasm, and that honestly was very natural for me, as I am very happy to be here with this squad.”