Rolando Mandragora has set the tone for Fiorentina's highly anticipated clash with Juventus, declaring that his side will approach the match with fierce determination and a clear plan to hurt their hosts. The former Bianconeri midfielder made the comments in an exclusive interview with Tuttosport ahead of the Friday night fixture in Turin, where a resurgent Viola outfit aim to spoil the party for a Juventus side still chasing vital objectives. With the phrase 'col coltello tra i denti' – literally, with a knife between the teeth – Mandragora summed up the fighting spirit that Fiorentina intend to bring, a mentality that reflects both the local rivalry and the team's desire to end a turbulent season on a high note.
Mandragora stressed that the motivation for the match extends beyond points, touching on the deep emotional connection between the squad and their supporters. 'We know how much this game means to our fans,' he stated, 'and that has to push us even more to deliver a great performance and a positive result.' The midfielder's words carry extra weight given his intimate knowledge of both camps: he spent a season at Juventus earlier in his career, though the experience never quite took off, and he remains a player with a point to prove against the club that let him go.
Fiorentina's recent record against Juventus provides tangible belief. In their last meeting at the Franchi over a year ago, the Viola stormed to a 3-0 victory, with Mandragora himself on the scoresheet. He referenced that memory with a smile, promising to remind his teammates of what is possible. 'I will tell the guys about it – it should be an extra motivation,' he noted, underlining how past success against the Bianconeri can fuel another upset. Since that result, both clubs have navigated upheaval, but Fiorentina appear to have found a defiant edge under pressure, a quality they will need in abundance against a side boasting top-tier attacking talent.
The dynamic of the encounter is shaped by the contrasting pressures on each club. Juventus enter the match carrying the greater burden, needing points to secure a Champions League berth and meet lofty expectations. Mandragora acknowledged this imbalance, suggesting it could play into Fiorentina's hands. 'Juventus will definitely have more pressure than us because they have an objective to reach,' he explained. 'We will go there with a clear mind, aiming to win for our fans.' Such liberation has often allowed underdog sides to perform beyond their means, and the Viola's recent survival in Serie A – a campaign marred by inconsistency and off-field turbulence – may have forged the resilience needed for this test.
Reflecting on his own journey, Mandragora opened up about his past with both Juventus and Torino, revealing where his loyalties truly lie. He arrived at Juve as a highly touted youngster but failed to break through, embarking on a series of loans before finding stability elsewhere. 'At Juventus I arrived too young and so I started moving around,' he said. In contrast, his heartfelt appreciation for Torino – where he spent just 18 months but gave everything – highlighted the clubs that made him feel valued. 'Torino and Fiorentina are the teams that have given me the most,' he admitted, making it clear that he carries no regret about his Bianconeri experience, only a desire to show what he has become.
The interview also touched on the future of Michael Kayode, the talented full-back currently impressing in the Premier League. Mandragora, who has mentored the young Nigerian international at Fiorentina, lavished praise on his former teammate. 'I compliment him for the path he is taking,' he said. 'He went to the Premier League where even strong players struggle, but he, despite being young, hasn't had any difficulties. I had few doubts because he's a good guy, he works, listens, and is intelligent.' When asked whether Kayode has the qualities to one day play for a club like Juventus, Mandragora was unequivocal: 'He has the characteristics to play anywhere, and he can still grow a lot.' These words will only intensify speculation about the defender's next move, as top European clubs monitor his rapid rise.
Mandragora's own future, meanwhile, is now firmly tied to the Viola. He recently extended his contract until 2028, a decision he says was easy due to the familial atmosphere at the club. 'I see myself at Fiorentina, I'm happy here,' he affirmed. 'This club is a family like I have rarely found elsewhere.' The renewal is a signal of stability for a team that desperately needs leaders after a season spent flirting with relegation. As one of the squad's senior figures, the 27-year-old has embraced the responsibility, chipping in with six goals from midfield – a tally he is eager to add to on his return to Turin.
Fiorentina's survival in Serie A was far from given, and Mandragora did not shy away from assessing the collective failure that defined their campaign. 'It was a long season,' he reflected. 'We had important expectations but we couldn't maintain them, and we are the first ones responsible.' The psychological toll of a prolonged winless run even forced him to confront the fear of relegation. 'When we went a long time without winning, I started to think: if the other teams fighting catch fire, it will get harder and harder,' he admitted. Yet a core of quality eventually proved just enough, even if Mandragora acknowledged that hearing the term 'good individualities' now draws ironic laughter from fans.
That relief did not spare the team from criticism after a dull goalless draw with Genoa confirmed their safety. Mandragora understood the supporters' frustration. 'If we talk about disappointment, I expected it: a negative year, many controversial episodes, and fans have the right to whistle,' he said. Drawing a parallel between the passionate fanbases in Florence and at his former club Torino, he noted that such visceral support demands accountability. The squad's inability to consistently meet those expectations is a scar they carry into the off-season.
Credit for navigating the storm, however, goes to coach Paolo Vanoli, who took over mid-season and steered the club away from the abyss. Mandragora was full of praise for the tactician. 'In my opinion, he deserves great credit, he allowed us to achieve a salvation that seemed difficult,' the midfielder asserted. Vanoli's impact has been felt in restoring defensive solidity and instilling belief, qualities that will be tested against a Juventus side that can overwhelm opponents with individual brilliance. Mandragora warned that Fiorentina must be wary of the hosts' offensive firepower but insisted his team will rely on their own weapons to counter.
On a personal level, Mandragora has established himself as a key goal-scoring threat from deep, notching his sixth league goal earlier in the campaign. That output places him among the top-scoring central midfielders in Italy, a testament to his timing and long-range shooting. Yet he has been stuck on that number for some time, and the impending Juventus match offers a perfect stage to break the drought. 'It's true, but I've been missing a goal for a while and tomorrow I'd gladly take it,' he declared, hinting at his hunger to leave a decisive mark.
With the season winding down and Fiorentina already planning for a rebuild, Mandragora's leadership and his newly extended contract position him as a cornerstone of the project. His combative mindset and refusal to accept mediocrity echo the demands of a fanbase desperate for a return to European contention. The midfielder remained diplomatic about the need for reinforcements, stating that it will be up to the club and coach to evaluate, but he stressed that the squad already has the individual quality to compete at a higher level next term. As he prepares to face his former club, Mandragora embodies the defiant spirit Fiorentina hope will carry them into a brighter future. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
