Following the 2-0 victory at Cornaredo against Lucerne, FC Lugano manager Mattia Croci-Torti analysed his team’s mixed performance at a press conference, highlighting the strength of the squad and the effectiveness of the substitutions in the second half.
At the start, the manager explained his initial tactical choices and the difficulties encountered in the first half: “We thought Lucerne would play with a diamond formation in midfield, as they always do. Instead, they changed it today. Frick prepared well for the match, putting us under man-to-man pressure and closing down the spaces for our three centre-backs. It wasn’t easy to find passing lanes. However, I expected more character, more courage in handling the ball”.
Croci-Torti then admitted that he had deliberately kept some attacking players on the bench to have more energy in the closing stages: “In Geneva, I lacked pace and one-on-one situations in the final twenty-five minutes. Today I wanted freshness in the second half, and those who came on made the difference.”
It was precisely the impact of the substitutes that proved decisive in changing the momentum of the match. “Mahou and Cimignani provided the spark I was looking for,” explained the manager. “They are quality players, but they need to find consistency and a winning mentality even when they start the game. Today they responded like true professionals, showing the mindset I want to see from everyone.”
Croci-Torti also reflected on the team’s overall reaction after a difficult first half: “In the first half, we lacked courage, not tactics. When an opponent marks you man-to-man, you need the character to take responsibility. At half-time, that’s exactly what I asked for, and the response came. We showed balance, hunger and concentration. The lads fought for every ball, defending like in hockey: with compactness and a spirit of sacrifice.”
The victory, as well as confirming their renewed solidity, allows Lugano to climb into the upper reaches of the table. “That was our objective,” said Croci-Torti. “We wanted to break into the top six for the first time this season and show what sort of team we are. At the start of the season we wouldn’t have won a match like this, but today we did: because we’re more mature and more united.”
Towards the end of the press conference, the coach expressed some concern about the physical condition of certain players and the tight schedule. “I’m annoyed that two teams not playing in cup competitions have a two-day difference in rest time. St. Gallen played on Tuesday and we played on Thursday. We face them on Sunday; they’re one of the fittest teams in the league, and we’ll have to do without Alioski whilst assessing the situations of Zanotti and von Ballmoos. But we’re not looking for excuses: whoever plays will give their all, as always.”
With this mindset, FC Lugano is therefore preparing for its next Brack Super League fixture: Sunday 2 November at 2.00 pm, once again at Cornaredo, against St. Gallen. A fresh opportunity to confirm the team’s progress and continue the positive run that began with the victory over Lucerne.