"We're starting to get serious. The result weighs heavily, there's responsibility, and there's a different focus." Fabio Pisacane raises the bar ahead of the first competitive match of the season, tomorrow in the Coppa Italia against Arezzo. "We want to get back on track, where we lost last year in Naples, when we lost in the round of 16 only on penalties."
The Cagliari coach also maintains a high level of focus on his opponents. "Every game can be tricky if you don't approach it with the right mentality—a fierce, two-faced approach," he begins. "You always have to have respect for everyone, even more so against a well-organized team like Arezzo, who have the same coach as last year, just won the Serie C championship, and can count on some good individual players."
Among the new players, Maldini is eager to start. "He brings quality, sensitivity, he knows how to link the play, and he can play in multiple offensive positions," the Neapolitan coach is keen to point out. "He's only recently arrived, but he can be there." Carlos, on the other hand, is lagging behind in his preparations: "He's following a personalized training plan to be in top form for the first match of the season." Mina, who returned on August 7th after his holidays, is also keen to see him back.
Regarding Esposito, Pisacane preferred not to respond: "My job is to protect the group. There are competent people dealing with this situation. The discussion troubles me."