“Every match is decisive for us: we were underwater for many months, now that we have put our heads out to breathe we no longer want to go back there. We haven’t done anything yet, we know it well”: Mister Ranieri spoke in a press conference two days before the match against Genoa, the postponement of the 34th matchday of the Serie A championship”.
ON THE “FERRARIS” CHALLENGE
“We’re going to face a team that plays very well. They are already safe, which does not mean we can afford to underestimate the commitment. We won the first leg, but in the last minutes we had many opportunities to equalize. We know what awaits us: we will play against a strong team, they have excellent players, they know when to maneuver or restart quickly. Maximum respect. It will be a match that we will have to interpret and be able to read very well.”
COMPACT AND AGGRESSIVE
“We have achieved a series of positive results, we were driven by the awareness of having to fight in every situation. Difficult moments come for every team: we suffered a lot, now we don’t want to suffer anymore. For this reason we must continue to remain compact, aggressive mentally, always giving our best in our work. Petagna has returned, Mancosu will also return soon. For me everyone is important. The team is fine, we are ready for this final rush.”
THE SINGLES
“In addition to Luvumbo, out due to disqualification, Viola will be missing (low-grade distraction in the hamstring of the left thigh). Oristanio and Lapadula are fine, I’ll decide at the last minute. Makoumbou in decline? I don’t agree, even against Juventus he sang and carried the cross. He is a very important player for us, on whom I rely a lot. Against Inter, for example, for me he played an excellent game, I would like him to always play like that.”
NEVER GIVE UP
“Wonderful memories bind me to Genoa, it was there that I made my debut as a footballer in Serie A. As coach of Sampdoria it was a beautiful derby: lots of pathos, but also great composure. It’s a support that really energizes the team, we will find a warm environment, the stadium will be sold-out. Salvation quota? It’s difficult to make hypotheses: it’s a very good championship both for the race to Europe and for staying in Serie A. I asked the boys to fight until the last day, then we’ll see how many points we get.”
