“We had three match points available. We wasted the first by committing a double fault, now let’s go and play for the second.” This is how Nicola Brienza framed Pistoia’s goal in the pre-match of the match against Trento. “We’re going to Trento full of energy – continues Brienza – I’m happy with the approach taken by the boys this week, in terms of desire, participation and attention. We are aware of the importance of the match”. As Brienza said for Estra, it is another match point available to mathematically close the playoff discussion, which could also arrive in the event of Napoli’s defeat in Reggio Emilia, but above all it is an opportunity to redeem the last two missteps with Pesaro and Brindisi. “We talked to the team – states the red and white coach – not because there were problems but being close to a great objective it is right to look each other in the eye. An objective which, let’s be clear, will not change the boys’ careers, but will be able to give a fantastic experience for them. For the Italians who have never experienced a moment like this, for the Americans who would reach what today represents the highest point of their careers, the playoffs are a goal that is worth more to us than to the club, whose objective we have already achieved. The fans always show us affection and I think they are happy with everything.”
The challenge in Trento has a special flavor for Brienza who lived in Trentino for a year and a half obtaining excellent results in Europe, but the six defeats in the championship and the eleventh place finish led the management to relieve him of his duties in 2021 and in June of the same year Brienza married in Pistoia. “Regardless of how it ended – explains Brienza – it was a good experience in Trento. I have to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to coach in Serie A when I was still young and less experienced. Trento is having an excellent season, congratulations to Galbiati. They have been living with some serious absences for a few days, but their way of playing has not changed. They have lost a bit of weight and physicality but they have settled in well from three and are aggressive in the first seconds of the match. attack”.
Brienza reserves one final comment for some market rumours, in particular those that speak of Scafati’s possible interest for next season. “I have a contract with Pistoia and at the moment I’m certainly not thinking about the transfer market – says Brienza –. We have a season to finish to achieve our final objectives. Rowan will return in the summer and Marco and I will be ready to plan the future all together.”
Maurizio Innocenti
