Sampdoria aims for sixth place defended by Palermo. In view of the “Ceravolo” match against Vivarini’s Catanzaro, coach Andrea Pirlo spoke in a press conference presenting the match, conveying the clear intention on the part of the Blucerchiati to aim for the three points.
«We achieved the playoff objective. Now there is the possibility, which does not depend only on us, of reaching sixth position which would change a lot. Points lost? Eventually you look back and see the points you missed. In addition to the penalty, there is regret for the points we left along the way. It’s been a bumpy ride. In the end the important thing was to achieve the objective but when you are in the playoffs everything is reset, apart from the ranking which gives those playing at home two out of three results. What opponent do I expect tomorrow? I expect a Catanzaro who will play his game, who plays very well. It’s a team that plays very well. They have been playing together for two and a half years and have a proven game system. It’s nice to see Catanzaro play, but now we are another team. We will play on equal terms, knowing that we are facing a team that wants to give continuity to its results.”
«The defeat in the first leg? Defeats are never healthy but sometimes they bring advice and to see some things better. Pedrola got injured in the first leg and we changed some game systems. However, there was a turning point that sometimes led us to perform well and at others less so, but the boys’ intent to get out of that bad period was positive. Pedrola? I had the opportunity to talk to him and reassure him. I told him to think about recovering well and preparing for next season. It’s normal for him to be devastated because he returned after several months and regained his confidence. He is an important player who could change matches at this moment in the championship. The important thing is that he recovers. Drivers? We drag ourselves along. We know from the start that these games are special and we can’t wait to play. We’ll take Sunday’s enthusiasm into the playoffs. There won’t be fans in Catanzaro? It’s a shame. I read what happened in recent days. We also had many fans away, it will be strange not to see them in Catanzaro.”
«injured? They are available except Murru who is recovering, Girelli and Vieira has a fever but he should be there. Could Catanzaro change something? Maybe they do because maybe their ranking position will be confirmed. For us it is important to provide continuity and some players need to play in order not to lose their physical condition. How is the inclusion of Ferrari going? He’s much better, he’s training with us. On Sunday we brought him on the bench, it’s nice to have him with the group. He is an example for everyone. He has had many injuries but he has always come back with great spirit and attachment and he deserves to be with us. He will come with us tomorrow too. Manfredi’s words of closeness? Good to know. We have established a wonderful relationship with the president and the company. We have always worked peacefully and, when there were difficult moments, they have always been close to us. And when there is unity the results are easier to arrive.”
