Collecchio, 12 April 2024 - Fabio Pecchia pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Spezia, from the Mutti Training Center di Collecchio.

A MONTH OF WORK TO GO, MAINTAIN THE ENTHUSIASM

“The work goes on, tomorrow is the game. There are only five more to play. There's still a month of work, the team must build, work and maintain enthusiasm. There's a desire to maintain our position in the table, this, however, requires mental and physical strength. All this must be done with absolute balance, absolute serenity, and also with the joy of playing something beautiful. These situations must be experienced as a privilege, these are the kind of matches that players should want to play because they give you the most, they allow you to develop as a player and person. But I reiterate that the same feeling of enthusiasm must be kept alive, but above all, lightness, because it is a football match and as such it must be played. We need to stick together as a collective. Everyone must work in the same direction. It's not about playing with two forwards, it is not a matter of numerical superiority or inferiority compared to the opponents.'

THE FANS? LET'S GIVE OUR FANS SOMETHING TO CHEER

'This relationship of unity and emotion must continue, it's beautiful. It pleases me and the boys. We must keep it until the end for another 6 matchdays. Both at home and away. We have the desire to give the fans something to cheer.'

SPEZIA ARE DOING WELL, THEY HAVE CONTINUITY

'Spezia have a consistent gameplan, they don't change their approach. They work and they are consistent in what they do. It depends on how the game develops, on the opponent, on our strengths, and on the ability to maintain rhythm or offensive possession, to attack spaces. I said it also for the away game; it's a squad with young, strong, hard-working players. It’s a team in good form in the last 5 games. A team that is doing well. I expect the duels on the flanks to be decisive; it will depend on the players chosen by D'Angelo. Out wide, we must continue to play with tempo, maintaining possession high up the pitch. We must risk first-time plays to create confusion in the penalty area.'

THE CONDITION AND CHOICES OF PARMA

'I've seen a team that has played very well in the previous two games. There were many shots, the opposing goalkeepers were the best players on the field, we hit the woodwork and we had many shots on target. We played well in both matches. Continuing, persisting, and it's evident that we need to keep doing what we know how to do. A three-man midfield? It's an option we've adopted and has given us great satisfaction. Not in terms of victory, but in terms of solidity and having the right balance. Every game is different, it's an option. Having one centre midfielder and two more 'attacking' players. They're all doing well, I have the whole squad available, except for Bernabé. There are choices, and beyond having one more or one less midfielder, I like to think of a team that maintains its enthusiasm, regardless of the individuals. They're all doing well, they've recovered. Now everyone is back. Even Osorio, his participation in Bolzano was very positive. Cyprien? In the middle, Willy has shown himself to be ready, despite being out for a while. He completed a very physical game, he knows how to combine quality and quantity. Surely he can be in the game. High temperatures? The sun is beautiful and good for us, we've been waiting for it for a long time. In the last game, the heat was felt by everyone. Everyone together, always! Every time the intention is to put out the strongest lineup to win the game, not to give gifts or satisfy people. The application was there in Bolzano, I saw a solid team. I liked it. The performance was important. Everyone together, until the end!'