Raffaele Palladino (Italian pronunciation:[raffaˈɛːlepallaˈdiːno]; born 17 April 1984) is an Italian professional football coach and former player who is head coach of Serie A club Fiorentina.
He then returned to Juventus senior team in 2006–07, as the club were relegated to Serie B. He started and scored his first goal in a 1–1 away draw against AlbinoLeffe on 18 November 2006. On 19 March 2007, he netted his first career hat-trick in a 5–1 victory over Triestina. He eventually won the Serie B title that season with his club, securing an immediate promotion to the top-tier division.[2]
On 3 July 2008, Palladino was signed by Genoainco-ownership deal, priced €5million (for 50% rights), joined along with defender Domenico Criscito on loan.[5]
On 3 January 2011, Genoa's half share in Palladino was transferred to Parma in a move which saw Parma's half share in Alberto Paloschi go the other way and the exchange of the full registration of Francesco Modesto and Luca Antonelli. Genoa also paid a sum of €5.85M cash.[6] Palladino's contract will run until 30 June 2014.[6]
In June 2011, Juventus gave up the remain 50% registration rights to Parma for free.[7] In July 2013, he extended his contract to 30 June 2016.[8]
On 10 November 2015, he was signed by Crotone.[9] He renewed his contract in July 2016.[10] On 31 January 2017, Palladino was re-signed by Genoa.[11][12] On 15 January 2018, he signed for Serie B club Spezia.[13]
On 31 March 2019, Monza announced the signing of Palladino.[14]
Palladinos made his debut at the age of 23, in a 3–1 home win against the Faroe Islands on 21 November 2007. He played as one of the three strikers along with Luca Toni and Vincenzo Iaquinta.[15]
Having coached Monza's youth sector since 2019,[16] Palladino was appointed head coach of their Primavera (under-19) team on 9 July 2021.[17] After having reached the semi-finals of the 2021–22 Campionato Primavera 2 (under-19) promotion play-offs, Monza renewed Palladino's contract for a further year in July 2022.[18]
On 13 September 2022, Palladino was promoted head coach of Monza's first team following the dismissal of Giovanni Stroppa,[16] with club CEO Adriano Galliani stating his appointment to be on a permanent basis.[19] On his debut, Palladino guided Monza to their first ever top flight win, defeating Serie A powerhouse Juventus 1–0.[20] He was nominated Serie A Coach of the Month for April 2023.[21] After having led Monza to avoid relegation six matchdays in advance, on 2 June 2023, he renewed with Monza for a further season.[22]
Aleft-footed player, he predominantly played as a winger, although he could also play as a forward, or as a second striker. He has also represented the Italy national side. He was known in particular for his excellent technical ability and dribbling skills, as well as his pace and agility on the ball, which allowed him to beat opposing players and create space for himself to get into positions from which he can strike on goal.[24]
