"What we have done is important, now we have to finish the job ". Davide Nicola warms up the engines in view of tomorrow night's match in Verona against Hellas. "The team trained well, with desire. And we want to get the most out of this match, and in general from now until the end of the championship". With broad shoulders and head held high, the Cagliari coach launches the challenge from the "Crai Sport Center" in Assemini. "I am convinced that the absences of Mina and Piccoli will not have an impact", he almost puts his hands up at the start of the press conference, "indeed I am happy to give space to those who have had little of it up until now. One above all: Pavoletti". And on the captain he is keen to specify: "A person I appreciate a lot beyond the athlete. He has allowed the team to grow. I trust him blindly".
Nicola reveals: «We tried something different». Specifically: «Different players, different game situations when coming out and under pressure» . The rossoblù coach then highlights the Bentegodi factor: «Always a tough stadium, with a fan base present. And this is a further stimulus, there is the desire to compete». And of course there is the technical factor. «Verona is an aggressive, vertical team. And in addition to having physicality, it has quality players», Nicola recalls. «It is no coincidence that among the teams in the lower part of the table, it is the one that has won the most». Translated: «We know it will be a battle, but it will be until the end».
Called up for the occasion is the young defender of the Primavera Nicola Pintus, who will join the group directly in Verona after playing against his peers from Sassuolo. «A polite, willing boy», underlines the Cagliari coach . «Structurally gifted, technically prepared. Even if it's one thing to play in the youth teams, it's another to take the next step. But everyone does it sooner or later».