Davide Nicola is ready for the challenge as an ex: Cagliari-Empoli. Tomorrow at 6:30 pm at the Domus, the rossoblù coach will meet the team he coached in the final part of last season, obtaining salvation at the last minute of the last day. «A few months ago I was on that side, but I look forward, valuing the past», he said in a press conference. «When you change, you do it to accept a new challenge: I look at where I am now, here we are looking for balance and continuous improvement. You always need to put enthusiasm and conviction, I think it is showing».
For his part, there is no anxiety about winning: «For me it doesn't exist», he cuts short. «We play every game to get the most possible: in my opinion we are laying the foundations for a job that will lead us to get more points. We must not become eager or frenetic, but qualitative». For him the indications are good, despite two draws and as many defeats in four matchdays: «Cagliari is doing what it has to do, I didn't expect it to be already competitive in the spirit of the game that I wanted to bring. The boys are demonstrating this, they really care about wearing this shirt. I am happy with this team, there hasn't been a day since I've been here that I haven't been contaminated by enthusiasm and the desire to do».
Cagliari has only scored one goal so far, by Piccoli against Como. Nicola does not rule out that at least one between Lapadula and Pavoletti will be seen up front tomorrow from the 1st minute: «There is a possibility, it could happen or not. If we think of indicating a player every game as if he were the magic wand to find solutions, it is a restrictive discussion. There will certainly be situations that have not occurred so far and different choices, but I look at the team every day: Pavoletti and Lapadula are two important athletes and within the group, but I have to look at what is most productive for the game. I consider everyone a starter and, paradoxically, whoever comes in has the possibility of having a greater impact».
Prati will be missing, as against Napoli, and there are some situations to evaluate. But Nicola believes that Cagliari is taking the right steps to achieve success: «In addition to courage, you need to have balance and discipline on the pitch, knowing that it is not enough to run for 95 minutes but to do it at the right time. I am convinced that my team has the means to prove itself, but it is clear that it takes time to improve». Empoli arrives at the Domus undefeated, despite having already challenged Roma and Juventus. «You have seen the path, they are a disciplined team but my team has the possibilities to obtain the maximum».
On the attack, Nicola is not worried about the few opportunities realized: «You can participate in the marking with as many players as possible, this is in the potential of this team. I don't want to talk about chance, I focus on the fact that we create opportunities and that we probably need to improve our calmness and final concreteness: we need to see this in training, but this will also come. We create opportunities, we will all improve over time, including Luvumbo: I would worry more if we didn't create anything, let's think about the details».
