In a recent interview, Danilo Cataldi spoke candidly about his departure from Lazio and his move to Fiorentina. The midfielder, who came through Lazio’s youth academy, expressed mixed emotions about leaving his boyhood club while embracing the new challenge at Fiorentina.
Regarding the separation from Lazio, Cataldi admitted (via Violanews): “The separation was very hard, as it’s normal. I grew up in Lazio’s youth sector and went through all the ranks with that shirt. That said, here I felt a lot of trust, both from the coach and from director Pradè. I think this is the perfect place to continue growing.”
Cataldi also shared his thoughts on reuniting with coach Raffaele Palladino: “I found the same person I had left in those months in Genoa. I followed his coaching career and we’ve been in touch often over the years. I always struggled against his Monza team. He’s a very intelligent person and can do well here too. We’ll need to change some things, but with the work we’re doing, we’ll improve.”
When asked about taking on more responsibility at Fiorentina, Cataldi responded: “Yes, I think this is natural. In these years at Lazio, I gained a lot of experience and shared the dressing room with many champions. I’ve spoken with the club and the team, and I think this environment has everything to do well. It’s a club with great ambitions and known throughout Europe. The two finals are just the starting point to stabilize in the positions that matter. We’re working to reach the Europa League, and I’ll give my all to achieve Fiorentina’s goals.”
Discussing his versatility on the pitch, Cataldi explained: “Over the years, I’ve had many changes. I started in a three-man midfield as a mezzala, then with Sarri’s arrival, he invested me in the deep-lying playmaker role. Maybe that was the year I grew the most. I’ve also played in a two-man midfield, and it’s not a problem for me. I’m at the coach’s disposal in any role.”
Cataldi also touched on his decision to leave Lazio: “I’m not a hypocrite. I would never have left Lazio, especially for what it represents to me and for what it gave me. The choice of Fiorentina was due to the trust that the club and the coach had in me. I didn’t think about it much; the break with Lazio was hard, but not the decision to come to Florence. I’m happy and eager to have a great year with Fiorentina.”
