After the battle against Bari, Reggiana is preparing for the challenge against Salernitana in a difficult environmental context and against a team renewed by the transfer market. Coach William Viali analyzes the team’s current situation and future challenges.
A courage to carry forward
The performance against Bari left its mark on the coach: “We faced a particular match, overcoming difficult moments with courage, clarity and the desire to win, even when outnumbered. This is what we bring with us: a team that has not bent and who demonstrated great maturity.”
New additions: Sosa and Kumi
Two new faces have arrived on the market to strengthen the squad: “We were numerically uncovered in some areas and Sosa and Kumi give us important options. Kumi is already ready, while Sosa is quickly recovering his condition. He still needs to find his match rhythm, but I am confident that he can integrate soon.”
A transformed Salerno area
On Saturday Reggiana will face a different Salernitana: “They have changed coach, brought in several new players and faced an atypical match against Sassuolo. It will be an evolving team and we don’t have many points of reference. However, we know that the environment will be warm and the match will be seen by them as the turning point to relaunch ourselves. Our key will be continuity.”
Emergency defense
With Lucchesi disqualified, the coach evaluates different solutions: “Samprisi can play in the centre, perhaps with Fontanarosa or Nahounou. Nahounou’s physical characteristics could be useful, for example in marking Cerri, but we will evaluate carefully. There will be no significant tactical changes, we will remain ourselves with our elasticity.”
Reggiana’s philosophy: no alibis, always proactive
Viali underlines that difficulties must never become alibis: “I don’t want my team to take refuge in excuses. With Bari, even when outnumbered, we maintained an offensive attitude and this made the difference. We don’t want to concede the match on Saturday , but face it with courage and personality.”
An example of maturity
The match against Salernitana represents an important test: “It is a match that can measure our maturity. We have learned that one misstep, like against Cittadella, is enough to dirty a growth path. We cannot afford it.”
Infirmary and returns
Updates from the infirmary: “Rozzio is still out, while Pettinari has a problem with his ankle and we will evaluate in the next few hours. Girma is gradually returning to full work. It is important to get everyone back to face this crucial phase of the championship.”
The group grows stronger in difficult times
Viali trusts in the team’s mentality: “The reactions to the negative episodes, more than the episodes themselves, cement the group. Even the difficulties with the VAR in the first round made us stronger. I believe that, over time, luck will return to smile at us.”