Collecchio, 3 February 2023 – Here’s what Coach Domenico Panico had to say on the eve of Pomigliano vs. Parma, matchday  16 in Women’s Serie A, scheduled for Saturday 4 February at 14:30 CET at Campo Sportivo Comunale in Palma Campania.

Domenico Panico, the game against Pomigliano for you is surely different to all the rest…

“I’m going back home: it’s a special game. There are still three points at stake, but for me personally, it has a slightly different feel than normal…”

…Both from a personal and professional point of view, seeing as you spent time there…

“I started my journey into Women’s football at Pomigliano last year, and I’ll forever be grateful to them for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful world. I hope to continue this also with Parma.”

Pomigliano are a direct opponent for the battle for safety. Is it important you keep them in the fight, just as you did against Como in the last game?

“Our aim is to get to the relegation play-outs without too big a point difference. We need to keep up with the other sides so we can play the eight remaining games in the best way possible. Tomorrow’s game is very important. We know Pomigliano very well; they are very well-organised, well-prepared, have a strong identity and will make it as hard as they possibly can for us. We go there with our ideas of how we want to play, looking to keep our run going because I feel we have found our identity and we have some important players who are really starting to show their worth. We know it’s gonna be tough, but we go there to play with the will and drive to apply ourselves and look to bring home the three points, just as we have done in our previous games.”

The new arrivals have already made an impact in the win over Como…

“Absolutely, they’ve impressed from the off and integrated really well, but the group of players have been exceptional also in helping them fit in in such a short space of time. All five of them have integrated immediately, and that’s down to the Club and the staff who has given them everything they’ve needed to be able to get down to work from day one. They’ve all come from different environments and experiences, but it’s like they’ve been here since July 1, so I must thank and give credit to everyone at the Club behind the scenes who has helped them join into the group so smoothly and in the best way possible.”

One of these, Paloma Lázaro, scored one of her five braces in Serie A against Pomigliano, more or less exactly one year ago on 5 February 2022…

“…And I was Head Coach that day! I remember the moment well; I hope she can repeat the feat, and I’m sorry for Pomigliano, but we both now work for Parma. Regardless of that, I hope she continues to lead the team forward like she did against Como. We all know about her technical qualities on the pitch, but what was a real surprise was her character as well: she has left a mark on the group from the first moment, and has connected well with both the players she already knew but also the younger ones. I repeat what I said earlier, it’s like she’s been here at Parma from some time, not just a week.”

Speaking of scoring goals, Michela Cambiaghi has also in the past grabbed a double at Pomigliano…

“Michela still hasn’t scored under me, so I hope tomorrow is the day she breaks her duck. She only needs one, but she’s been unbelievable for the team. She’s contributing defensively, playing a way that maybe she wouldn’t have done previously, working on both sides of the game: offensively and defensively, and isn’t only driving forward but also getting back into shape out of possession. We are trying to make her a more complete player, so I expect a lot from her in tomorrow’s game, but also from the group both in our quality and character.”

Taty has scored four goals for the home side, is she their main threat?

“Pomigliano is a complete side. Taty is of the highest level and plays in the middle of the park, but she can also play in behind the forward, and also has a superb shot on her. But Pomigliano have a lot of decent players, both technically and personality-wise. I’m sure they’ll play well so we’ll need to match their levels, upping ours,individually and collectively. If we play the same way as we did against Como, we’ll find it tough because we made many errors, despite getting the three points, and can’t afford to or else it’ll be tough going tomorrow.”

Pomigliano have a lot of experience in their side, but also some interesting youngsters…

“They have the right blend between experienced and young players. Last season, four or five players really stepped up to the plate, securing them their place in Serie A, and then more players of a high level arrived in January . It’s a very balanced and complete squad of players: as the table stands they are top out of the five sides who play the play-out round, which means they’ve done incredibly well so far this season. They have 13 points, four more than us, so they deserve a round of applause. Our aim, I repeat, is to reduce the gap on those above us: we need to get to the play-out stages in a good form. We took a short step forward last Sunday, but we need to go further because there are still three games to play in the regular season and we have to collect as many points as possible.”