With a month of training behind them, their first official match is now just around the corner. On Saturday 8 August, FC Lugano Femminile will kick off their season with an away match against FC Küssnacht, following a pre-season that has left coach Antonelli feeling positive: “The girls have done a brilliant job and I’m convinced we’ll be ready for Saturday’s opener,” emphasises the bianconeri manager. The friendly matches played during pre-season have also helped the players gradually regain their confidence on the pitch, in their roles and with their team-mates: “I’ve found a good team, eager and full of enthusiasm. It’s a very young squad and I’m very pleased with what we’ve achieved so far.”
A SOLID FOUNDATION FROM WHICH TO BUILD
ON Unlike what often happens between one season and the next, the squad has retained a significant degree of continuity from last season: “The team has changed very little because so many players wanted to stay and continue with our project. We’re therefore starting from a solid foundation,” explains Antonelli.
The priority remains to tackle the league with a pragmatic approach, without, however, setting any limits: “The main aim is to stay in the division; then we’ll see what the season has in store for us. There’s nothing stopping us from dreaming of something more.”
A NEW FACILITY
AT AL MAGLIO The new season also coincides with a major development off the pitch. With the completion of work on the Al Maglio sports centre, the team can now count on new facilities for their day-to-day training: “It’s a truly important facility. From the pitch to the gym, right through to the physiotherapy suite, we have everything we need to perform well. Now it’s up to us to prove it on the pitch.”
The first real test will come straight away in an away fixture against FC Küssnacht. Antonelli describes them as an experienced and solid side who will require the Bianconeri to remain focused for the entire match: “It’ll be a difficult match. We’ll need to be good at reading the different phases and moments of the game.”
This opening fixture will kick off a league campaign which, according to the manager, looks set to be even more competitive than last season: “The standard has risen significantly and the teams have strengthened their squads. It will be a good test for us, but the feeling is positive and I’m convinced we’ll be able to achieve some satisfying results.”
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