Former Fiorentina captain Dario Dainelli visited the Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park and discussed the team’s upcoming Conference League match against Crystal Palace.

How does it feel to be back at the Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park?

“It’s always nice to come back here. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to enjoy it for long as it was built after my playing career had come to an end, and when I was a club official, it was still in its early stages. But every time I come here, I can see how beautiful it is and what it has to offer from a technical point of view.”

Fiorentina will be up against Crystal Palace and you’re an expert in English away matches. Are the Conference League matches getting harder now?

“Absolutely. That’s what makes these games so fascinating. English football has grown exponentially over the years. When I used to play for Fiorentina, we played against Liverpool and Everton. It was always a very riveting experience in a very vibrant environment. English football has developed a lot also from a technical point of view, so this match will be even tougher, but also exciting.”

Fiorentina have always fared very well in these last Conference League editions. Do you think they’ll do well this year too?

“Definitely. That’s what I hope will happen and it’s also what the players and the whole club want, as it would mean experiencing nights like the ones in recent years. Hopefully with a different final outcome, but they’re always exciting nevertheless.”