Moise Kean broke his goal drought after a year and 143 days and admits the move to Fiorentina makes it ‘one of the most important seasons of my career.’
The former Juventus striker had not found the net since April 2023, but got on the scoresheet in this evening’s 3-3 Conference League play-off draw with Hungarians Puskas Akademia.
They had been trailing 2-0 after just 12 minutes at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, turning it around to lead 3-2 with goals from Riccardo Sottil, Lucas Martinez Quarta and Kean’s angled drive, before conceding a late free header on a corner.
“The goal was important, as we wanted to win, but we suffered in the first half and it’s a pity we conceded the goal at the end too. We have more work to do,” Kean told Sky Sport Italia.
“We certainly need to start stronger, because they have good players and we didn’t have the right initial approach to impact the game straight away. We also need to work on the defensive movements.”
Kean knows Fiorentina represent a big opportunity
Raffaele Palladino specifically requested Kean for his new-look Fiorentina squad, and after a very difficult few campaigns, the pressure is on to show what he can do.
“The coach believes in me, the team believes in me, now it’s up to me to prove myself on the field. This is one of the most important seasons of my career, we’ve got a good squad and need to focus on one game at a time.
“I do believe I am in the right place at the right time. Things do not happen by chance, it is up to me to give 100 per cent on the field.”
It is also an opportunity for him to win back his place in the Italy squad, especially as Gianluca Scamacca is out for six months with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and Ciro Immobile has gone to Besiktas.
“I am focused on doing well for Fiorentina, giving 100 per cent for the shirt, then the coach makes the decisions. I just want to ensure I am ready.”