Perhaps it's Gigi Scotto's brilliant start to preparations, or the positive signs coming from Pennington, also as an attacking midfielder, and from Sanat. The fact remains that the search for a striker is taking a backseat, or even a secondary role, in Torres' transfer market research. Coach Alfonso Greco made it clear after the 3-1 friendly win in Ossi: "The priorities aren't in attack, but in other areas of the pitch."

It's easy to guess which ones. The defense, first and foremost. After the departure of Fabriani and Biagetti and the injury to new signing Scaringi (a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his left side, sidelining him for three weeks), the defense is short-staffed. So much so that against Ossese, with Nunziatini sidelined as a precaution, the defense consisted of just three defenders: Berto, Antonelli, and Zanandrea. In the second half, with Zanandrea removed, Liviero had to play left-back. He's good at the position, but starting deep means he can't develop the kind of acceleration and crosses he can in wide midfield.

Another midfielder is also needed to replace Zecca on the right flank. It would be even better if someone capable of operating on both flanks could be found.

© Riproduzione riservata