What is the definition of a dream week? For information ask theEmpoli. D’Aversa’s team, in fact, first eliminated their ‘neighbours’ Fiorentina in the round of 16 of the Italian Cup and then won a survival clash by annihilating the Verona at Bentegodi with a clear 1-4. A victory resulting from an excellent performance, yet another one provided this year by the boys in the blue jersey. Empoli’s joy is counterbalanced by Veronese’s discouragement, with yet another defeat suffered after those against Atalanta and Inter. To play for salvation until the end, a turning point is absolutely needed.
D’Aversa preaches balance
In the post-match press conference, D’Aversa declared: “These guys are doing something unthinkable at the start of the championship, I have rarely found a group so dedicated to work and I only have to congratulate them. We need to keep our feet on the ground despite the satisfaction that comes after this Sunday. We need to continue pushing the accelerator as we are doing.” It is therefore forbidden to indulge in flights of fancy: Empoli’s umpteenth salvation is still far away.
Hot hours for Zanetti
“Something is wrong and there will be some reflections, today we will not make any definitive decisions but we will take 24-48 hours. Evidently we are not managing to find the right performances on the pitch, it’s partly the coach’s fault, partly the players’ fault but today we expected a completely different performance.” This is what Gialloblù sporting director Sean Sogliano said after the match. The feeling is that Zanetti’s adventure in Verona may have come to an end but, as reiterated several times, he is certainly not the only one responsible for the Gialloblù collapse.