Live TMW
1.15pm – In a few minutes the Bologna coach, Vincenzo Italiano, will sit in the press room at the Castaldebole technical center for the usual pre-match press conference on the eve of Lazio-Bologna. Up here TUTTOmercatoWEB.com the direct writing of his statements
1.31pm – The Italiano press conference begins
Is tomorrow’s already a clash for Europe?
“At the moment we find ourselves behind the leading group but we have great enthusiasm. We must continue in the wake of the three victories. I expect a good match. I saw all the boys motivated, both those who returned from the national teams and those who worked very well with us.”
How do you evaluate the current ranking?
“Before the three victories we were behind in terms of our size. Now we have regained it but we have to work to stay at this level, because the other teams are going strong.”
Odgaard seems to have found his position on the pitch. Now how will you handle Ferguson’s return?
“We will evaluate game by game. Jens is an attacker and therefore knows how to be incisive even in front of goal. Ferguson can provide more intelligence, more dribbling and more insertions with the lights off but Urbanski and Fabbian can also be stationed there. At the moment however Odgaard, who is also a number 9, he is giving us a lot also because he has great long range football. Lewsi is doing well, I am happy for him also because he will still be attached to this shirt for many years. He himself feels he is growing greatly physically and you can see his knee is good. His intelligence and his personality are very important for this team, and he knows it. We have 7 games ahead of us in 21 days so we will need everyone.”
Has Karlsson continued to score a lot in training these last two weeks? How did you see it?
“What happened to Jeper helps us work with more serenity, with a smile. I’m happy for everything he gave to the team, because his goal gave us the three points. From the next day the satisfaction could be seen in his facial expressions facial and body posture. It’s important to find continuity and now I see it very well. We have to try to have a different Karlsson from the first months and if he is in this condition it is very positive for us.”
How is Ndoye’s recovery progressing?
“Ndoye was unable to work with the team due to this bad bruise on his tibia. He will soon return to the group and will then have to speed up his work with the team. I’m sorry for him but also for the team because in these moments with so many close matches we have everyone needs”
Will De Silvestri continue to have playing time?
“Lollo is behaving like a great professional with performances of great quality and attention. I’m happy because I was aware of his seriousness. I was afraid that after being excluded from the Champions League list he might suffer something, but instead I’m really happy with him for the way he trains , for the way he guides the boys even when he’s on the bench… He’s 100% involved with this group and beyond that he’s also giving us a lot on the pitch lots of stuff. Here it is there are many who have the Bologna shirt tattooed on them.”
How is Casale?
“Nicolò worked well. After Genoa Beukema and Lucumì are doing well and are having the chance to give themselves continuity. However, everyone will be needed. Casale worked with Beukema this week while Lucumì had his first real training session yesterday. Casale in Rome He had the chance to get back into the game in the last few minutes and I’m sure that if he gets the chance he’ll be ready.”
Has Castro recovered?
“Yes, he returned yesterday. He has a situation to manage but it’s nothing serious. He’s in good shape, he’s fine and he can give 100%”
What message did you give to the team given the challenging period that awaits you?
“I ask everyone to always do their best, first of all to raise the quality of training and then because with so many matches in just a few days we must all be ready. Today I complimented the team on how we are training: doing it like this means having also the ability to deal with difficulties. Furthermore, with the five substitutions available, those who take over are often more important than the starters.”
What does the image of Orsolini jumping on her back mean?
“When we talk about a group we are not just referring to the team, but also to the warehouse workers, the drivers, the cook, the communication, etc. That image is the signal of the spirit of the group that exists here, something that in recent years have always brought great results here and we must never lose them.”
Dallinga?
“Dallinga is fine. We spoke yesterday because I want his goal and focus to always be scoring goals and a young and talented boy like him must never stop being hungry. He told me an anecdote with an ex of his coach who spoke of the Ketchup theory according to which once one manages to score, then one gets unstuck and goals come in bursts. In some situations he was also unlucky, like with Monaco, in Liverpool, or in Rome occasions means that However, the boy is working well.
How important is continuity?
“Castellanos is doing well and the coach gives him continuity, as does Kean. That continuity, however, must be earned because behind each player there are other teammates who push to play. In relation to our attackers I think that both Castro and Dallinga have had their opportunities and continue to play for it every day. This is why you must never stop working hard. The one who plays is strong, but even more so the one who ‘has to steal the loaf’ from his teammate.”
The Baroni coach advert seems to me to be a beautiful example for the career of a coach, that is, someone who has worked his way up and now finds himself doing well with a high-level team
“Baroni and I were also friends in Verona and I remember going to his room during training camps and having him tell me anecdotes about Maradona. Every time we meet it’s a great pleasure and we always greet each other with great affection.”
1.56pm – End the conference