«I don’t fear declines, by now we are mentally programmed to the fact that every match is decisive.” Claudio Ranieri warms up his engines and launches the challenge to Genoa from the “Crai Sport Center” in Assemini.
“We have the utmost respect for the opponent, the fact that he is already safe is a detail”, the Cagliari coach is keen to point out during the traditional pre-match press conference.
«We face a team that knows how to play football, with excellent players. He knows when it’s time to maneuver and when to leave quickly.” Translated: «We will have to take care of every detail and be good at interpreting the match».
Genoa in the heart. «In Genoa», recalls Sir Claudio, «one of the best memories binds me, the debut in Serie A with the Roma shirt. It was November 4, 1973. Unfortunately we lost, among other things the two attackers I was marking scored. But it was a special and unforgettable day for me.”
He experienced Genoa more intensely recently, on the Sampdoria bench. «I particularly remember the derbies with Genoa. With great composure and passion at the same time from the fans who pushed the two teams in an incredible way. So I know what awaits us on Monday.”
Ranieri is not changing his mind on the safety quota for now. «It is a beautiful and exciting championship for those fighting not to be relegated. I hypothesized 36-37 points, let’s see. Meanwhile, I told my boys not to stop pushing.”
In addition to the disqualified Luvumbo and the two long-term patients Pavoletti and Mancosu, there won’t even be Viola in Genoa, who suffered a low-grade strain on the hamstring of his left thigh.
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