Collecchio, 30 November 2024 – This is what Coach Fabio Pecchia had to say ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Lazio on matchday 14 in Serie A:

CONFIDENCE

“It was a week where the full team was available, which is certainly an advantage. The match against Atalanta should leave the lads with confidence: particularly in the second half, they did some important things.”

SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY NEEDED

“Lazio are on a brilliant run, and, in the face of such power, we will need to do something extraordinary. That means doing more than we did last Sunday. Our opponents like to move the ball and are also direct. They’re a great side, and both Lazio and Baroni should be congratulated for the work they’re doing. In these matches, it’s not so much about running but running while doing the right thing at the right moment with the right character. The fact so many Lazio fans will be travelling here provides further motivation. They’ll be enthusiastic, but our supporters must also have the right enthusiasm. The atmosphere will be highly motivating, but that won’t bring with it more responsibility. We must always play for three points. There’s a lot of desire to play this match, and the whole atmosphere needs to inspire everyone to give something extra and to do something extraordinary.”

THOSE 35 MINUTES AGAINST ATALANTA

“Valenti is back fit and Hernani also trained with the group, which is a positive sign. As I mentioned after the match against Atalanta, they were strong in the first half. We made some mistakes, but they made their strength felt. But those 35 minutes we played in the second half should drive the whole group: if we’re capable of doing those things for 35 minutes against Atalanta, I think we can repeat what we did and do so for a longer period.”

MANTAINING BALANCE

“We lost the ball for Retegui’s goal, and our marking wasn’t quite right. Of course, we need to show more focus and be more attentive in various situations. We have work to do out wide, but this is also required in the middle of the park. We need to maintain balance, and I think that this can be achieved regardless of who is out on the pitch. Those who play need to be in the best mental and physical condition possible.”

BARONI

“When you’re out on the pitch and putting in the work every month, each match is an opportunity to improve. Baroni has arrived in a top environment after a long journey, and he is proving his worth.”

MATTEO CANCELLIERI’S ROLE

“Cancellieri has some good dribbling stats and produced a great moment on Sunday. He needs to continue to work and have this approach, this attitude and this desire to put himself at the disposal of the team. He possesses the characteristics to come up with high-quality moments. He can cover various positions, but it depends on the match. Against Venezia, he started up front but then did well out wide on the right flank. On Sunday, he started on the right before showing what he can do centrally. The important thing is for him to get involved in matches, and then he’ll find his way.”

KEITA AND HERNANI

“In every match, I like to do something different, taking into account the opponents and especially the condition of my players. I’ve been forced into certain decisions through the middle, but the returns of Keita and Hernani could be an opportunity.”