After a three-week break for international fixtures, FC Lugano return to action on Saturday 10 October at 6.00 pm, when Luzern visit the AIL Arena for Matchday 10 of the Brack Super League. The bianconeri go into the match top of the table and on the back of a convincing 4–0 away win at Lausanne, on the eve of a particularly busy run of fixtures comprising eight matches in thirty days across the league, the Swiss Cup and the UEFA Conference League.
At the pre-match press conference, Mattia Croci-Torti assessed the team’s condition and the challenges of the return to action, reiterating his determination to build on the results achieved before the break. Joining the manager was Albian Ajeti, who spoke at a press conference for the first time since joining the bianconeri.
THREE WEEKS TO PREPARE
The long break allowed the coaching staff to work with the players who remained in Lugano, help some injured players recover and improve the squad’s fitness levels. Croci-Torti views this period positively, whilst remaining aware of the challenges facing the team in the coming weeks: “We approached the first week with great calm, then got back to work as we usually do. We know how important these eight matches in less than a month are, as they could shape part of the season. Everyone has trained properly and knows they need to be ready.”
The pre-season programme also included a friendly against Hellas Verona, which provided useful insights despite the defeat. The manager made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the attitude shown on that occasion: “The match helped us realise that, if we don’t play at 100 per cent with our usual intensity, we can struggle against anyone. There were things I didn’t like, and it’s only right to point them out. Even in friendlies, you have to show that you want to earn your place.”
LUZERN AND THE DEFENCE OF THE LEAD
The first hurdle after the break will be Luzern, currently sixth in the table with a perfectly balanced record: three wins, three draws and three defeats in the first nine matchdays. The side managed by Jorg Portmann, which underwent a major overhaul during the summer, ended the last league match with a convincing 5-1 win over Grasshopper, confirming their attacking prowess.
Croci-Torti expects an open contest against an opponent that can count on both experienced players and talented youngsters: “Lucerne are a highly respectable side, with players who know this league very well and others who have come through their own youth academy. They have some standout individuals, particularly in attack. I expect a match that won’t be too tight, one that will be played openly.”
For Lugano, however, the focus is primarily on their own performance and the chance to consolidate their lead over the teams chasing them. This is a point the manager emphasised during the press conference: “When you’re at the top, the last thing you should do is rest on your laurels. We’re top of the table, but we mustn’t rest on our laurels. We need to keep pushing, try to extend the gap and step up a gear. The most important thing would be to start strongly right away.”
AJETI AND THE LINE-UP DECISIONS
As for the squad, Croci-Torti confirmed the successful return of the four internationals – Alioski, Delcroix, Karimov and Moncada – all of whom have returned without any fitness issues. There is also good news from the treatment room, with Behrens and Steffen available again, although they are not yet back to full match fitness following their respective absences.
The fixture list already features next Thursday’s European clash against Red Star, followed by the Swiss Cup tie, but this will not influence the team selection for Saturday. “The league is a priority. Tomorrow, the players I consider to be the most ready and strongest to face Lucerne will play, without thinking about the matches that follow. We want to do well in all competitions, but right now our focus is entirely on tomorrow’s match.”
Among the players who have benefited most from the break is Albian Ajeti, who has been able to use the weeks of training to improve his fitness following his arrival in Lugano. The striker confirmed these positive feelings: “I think I’ve taken a big step forward physically. We’ve made the most of this period, with plenty of training sessions and pre-season friendlies. It’s been important not just for me, but for the whole team.”
Lugano therefore head into the restart with several options at their disposal and with the aim of continuing their league campaign. The match against Lucerne, who won 3–1 at Cornaredo last March, will be the first real test following the long break and the start of a month in which the bianconeri will be in action on three fronts.
