Fiorentina coach Beppe Iachini was delighted after their 2-0 defeat of Lazio.
It was Fiorentina's first Serie A home victory since February and takes them to 38 points, close to the 40-point mark that tends to secure safety.
Iachini beamed: “Unfortunately, we had some problems at the start of the season, missing five key players with injury and COVID, then more important players arrived towards the end of the transfer window, so it took a while,."
He was fired and brought back when Cesare Prandelli resigned due to health concerns.
“I then reunited with the team after five months and found they were anxious, tense, needing to be coaxed out of their shells. These results all reward the lads for their efforts and I thank them for following me.
“I returned because I am fond of the club, the fans and the President, plus of course the players. I was convinced they wouldn't let me down and they really stepped up today."