Sunday's match is crucial. And before we think about the result, we need to put in a good performance, working harder and giving something from each of us personally to give to the group, and I think we can do that.

Thus Pisa coach Alberto Gilardino charged the team before leaving for Cagliari, where the Nerazzurri faced an almost decisive match in the race to avoid relegation.

"We've already shown we can react," the coach added, "and I'd also encourage everyone to watch the lads train because no one can question their commitment. We know we made mistakes in the two defeats and the two important matches, but we also know there's room for improvement. We'll face the Cagliari match with great confidence." No one in the Tuscan dressing room has thrown in the towel, but, the Nerazzurri coach emphasized, "we need to change course, raise our mental level on some details, but we know we can do it. Against Parma, we gave away a half, while against Lecce it was the only real game we messed up all season."

Pisa will face Cagliari in a situation where they'll be severely affected by absences: "We'll be without Nzola, Cuadrado, Akinsanmiro, and Stengs, but I need to focus on who I have available, not who isn't. I have players like Lorran and Tramoni who can be excellent performers."

Also raring to go on the bench is the very young Buffon, son of the Azzurri delegation leader : "Luis Thomas is making a bit of a comeback. He has potential and physical quality, but he's not yet fully developed as a man and has room for improvement. He's very hungry for improvement, and for a young man like him to stop and work, it's another step forward."

(Unioneonline)

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