Parma, 2 novembre 2023 - Parma Sporting Director Mauro Pederzoli was interviewed on the radio programma “Tutti Convocati” on Radio 24 and “Massimo Campionato” on Radio TV Serie A with RDS.

COPPA ITALIA ROUND OF 16 FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING

'The team gave everything they had, it was a perfect day. An important match played against a strong Serie A opponent. It was a great sight to see, even for the fans who followed it on television. The Coppa Italia is a competition that should not be snubbed, in our case it was a playing a knockout game against a Serie A team. It was right to try to give it our all and the result proved us right and we are happy. It is an extra step in our growth. Fiorentina? Last year, we managed to reach the round of 16, but were knocked out in extra time against Inter after a very good match. The Coppa Italia is an opportunity and it's nice to be there, even now in Florence. And we will do our best, aware that we will be facing another big team. In this first part of the league campaign, I would say Lecce have made an outstanding start with a young and interesting team. It's a source of pride to have beaten a team of this level.'

ANALYSISING THE LECCE GAME

“We ended the first half ahead by two goals, it was normal to expect a reaction from Lecce. We, perhaps, could have done better. It is not a question of attention, but rather of the ability to better manage the moments where we have to dig in the most. But the beauty of this team, even in tough moments, is to always think about winning. We managed to stay strong, even getting pegged back and risked conceding a third goal at 2-2, but the boys had the strength to come back and win the match. We can and must always improve.'

UP NEXT AGAINST SUDTIROL

“Sudtirol? We were lucky enough to avoid extra time, it wouldn't have great to have played it. Today, we have already trained and resumed preparations for the match against Sudtirol. The run in B? What satisfies us is seeing this continuous growth along a path that has come over time. It started last year with the arrival of Pecchia and a very young team, which was mostly trusted for this season. We also kept the technical staff. So, we have a plan to grow and it's nice to see that the team is following it in a confident manner. Having said that, it's still only the beginning only of the league campaign. We have done well but everything still needs to be built. We're enjoying these moments, yet keeping out heads down and pushworking hard.'

STARTED WITH PECCHIA AND HIS STAFF

“The goal is there, but it must be achieved and earned week after week. For our owner, we are in the presence of an important owner that has come to Parma to stay. He has invested a lot, not only on a technical level, but also investments related to internal organisation and infrastructure. But on the pitch we know that everything is difficult and always to be earned; what you have done doesn't count, every Sunday everyone is expectant. We are on the crest of a wave and everyone wants to beat Parma. In the face of any difficulty, we know we have to always give our best. This is a team with different nationalities, it is the youngest team in the league and it is one of the reasons that satifies us the most. It's a journey that started a while ago - these young players have been here for a few years now, but, above all, the work of Pecchia and his staff is starting to produce important results.'

SERIE B AND ITS CONTENDERS

“The league is finely balanced, where you can win or lose against anyone. The table shows clear meaning; things are starting to emerge. But beyond what the rankings say today, there are big teams that are a little behind but destined to move further up: I'm thinking of Cremonese and Spezia, who at least have the caliber, experience and history to be able to aim high.'