A double ex ‘local’ for Ascoli-Modena. During the course of his career, Juventus glory Pietro Zaini also had the opportunity to wear the yellow and blue jersey, in the 1993-94 season, before returning to base and defending the good name of Picchio. Today he talks about the final salvation on Saturday.
What kind of race will be staged at Del Duca?
“We have reached that fateful crossroads where if you don’t get a result everything becomes complicated. The players know this and in the event of a victory they could be back in the running even for direct salvation. At this moment perhaps it would have been important for the team having owner Pulcinelli more present to the players is an important aspect.”
What does Modena expect after Bisoli’s arrival?
“Modena will arrive in crisis and, despite the difficulties, they will still be a good team. They will come to Ascoli aware that they have the ability to win. Now they have made a change on the bench and will rely on Bisoli who is an energetic and very determined. He is a great expert in salvation, but even previously they have never demerited, even if they sometimes lost measure.”
How did things go in that yellow-blue year?
“Modena certainly won’t exist in this match for me. Only Ascoli will be there. I remember the best moments of my experience with the gialloblù. They immediately welcomed me like a son. I extend a greeting to the owners of the Morane restaurant. We always went to eat there and then some beautiful friendships remained. Beppe Baresi and Enrico Chiesa were in the squad.”
What will Picchio need to get the three points?
“To try to make the victory theirs, Ascoli will have to come up with a more energetic performance than what we have seen in recent weeks. I believe the problem is of a mental nature. The players will have to take to the field without being afraid of playing it openly Bringing it home 1-0 will also be fundamental.”
What are your thoughts on all these changes on the bench?
“I honestly don’t understand the numerous dismissals. The third substitution could have sent the players into confusion. In moments of difficulty the club had to come together and have a certain feeling with the coach. From the outside the perceptions are clearly different, but I believe that the president must behave as a good family man. It’s not nice to get booed but showing yourself close to the boys is precious for the group, especially in the days before the match. This can give more motivation especially to those who perhaps have less Rozzi, but his presence really gave us an extra boost.”
Will the next three clashes mark the future of Ascoli?
“Modena, Ternana, Cosenza will be three matches that will decide the games. Today, despite the disappointing results, we are still three points away from direct salvation. Now, however, the boys will have to give their all. I believe that on a technical level Ascoli is not inferior to many teams. Maybe the mental aspect of the last matches was wrong. At this point, however, we need to throw the ball in. There are good players, but we need to put them well in the middle of the field.
A prediction?
“We need to find peace of mind and only victory can provide this. In the past I scored against Modena in the match won 3-0 at home and I also scored against Ternana. I hope that 4 come out of these two matches points”.
Massimiliano Mariotti
Tags: pitch fear playing openly
