Collecchio, 23 February 2024 - Coach Fabio Pecchia's statements during the presentation of the match against Como, given in the press room of the Mutti Training Center in Collecchio.

COMO AMBITIOUS, PLAYING FOR THE LEAD

'I'm sorry for Baselli and Kone, they've suffered two serious injuries, and I feel for the lads. But I don't see a team in decline because in Palermo, they played an important game, and the result deceives. Especially in the first half, until Brunori's goal, I saw a lively, beautiful team with ideas and rhythm, with players capable of quality plays and speed. Thinking of facing a struggling team is far from my thoughts. I expect a team that shows the same attitude in Palermo. Even with the change of coach, the team has had a completely different identity, regardless of who will be on the field. I believe the identity and philosophy remain. We face a team that wants to play and won't give up. Especially up front, with Strefezza, Verdi, Da Cunha, they have very skillful players in space, and we'll have to work very well there. We must be alert to understand immediately what Como's attitude will be, just as against Pisa to understand the opponent's approach. It will be a similar game to the one against Pisa. Every game has 3 results, not necessarily two out of three... The team have shown they want to play to win, without making calculations and staying on the field. A coaching tandem of foreigners? On the field, the language is the same for everyone, there's nothing special compared to what we have to do. Como is very clear, even in its objectives. What it showed in the summer transfer market, in the winter market, and the indications it gives are very clear. An ambitious team, an ambitious club, playing for the lead regardless of who takes the field. It has shown to be a club that wants to play for promotion, and therefore, we face a significant team.'

THE TOUR DE FORCE UNTIL MARCH

'The next 5 games? The closer each game gets, the more forward we go, the more it will always be like this. There are many teams to face in a position in the standings; it's clear that some paths can be decisive. We, like Parma, must focus on our game on Saturday and the type of game we'll have tactically, technically, mentally, and always with the same spirit. Three matches in 6 days? Besides the midweek fixture, there will be space for all players. There are many games, fatigue can affect anyone, so we need continuous rotation. Space for everyone.'

THE EXTRA QUALITY

'The lightness of a young team must be the extra weapon. The team must play to win matches; I don't want to be repetitive. Stepping onto the field and living as if we're top of the league must be a pleasure, and we want to deserve it on the field. Without calculations, making the team as light as possible, vibrant in the middle of the field but especially light-headed. We're for peace, we're not killing any championship. In Como, I've experienced everything, even immense joy. But maybe last year was a special day, but it's part of history and counts for little. What counts is Saturday's match with a different team; we must only focus on our match because that's where we can make an impact and perform. Thunderstorm and rain, heavy pitch? We'll play; we must adapt to the pitch and know how to live with it. If we have to play long balls, we'll play long balls, and everyone forward. That's maturity, the intelligence of the group. We can do things one way or another, but the important thing is to adapt. If the weather conditions are prohibitive, we must be able to understand and realize what is most effective to win the game.'