The result of the friendly against Hellas Verona, which ended 1–3 at the AIL Arena, takes a back seat in Mattia Croci-Torti’s assessment. For the FC Lugano manager, the match served primarily to give playing time to various players and to test the side against an opponent capable of imposing high intensity and physicality.
A USEFUL TEST
Croci-Torti begins by discussing the performance and the value of a match of this calibre in the middle of the international break: “We always look at the result and we don’t like losing matches, but today Verona certainly played better than us. However, we had some important things to assess, starting with giving playing time to the lads who’ve played a bit less.”
The manager particularly emphasised the intensity shown by the opposition: “Football is a sport in which, to achieve certain levels of intensity like those Verona displayed today, you have to train for them. We welcome this sort of match: they prepare us for a period in which we’ll face opponents who are physically strong and tough in one-on-one duels. If we want to do well in European competition too, we need to get used to this sort of match.”
PLAYING TIME FOR EVERYONE
The friendly match was also useful for distributing playing time across the squad, particularly amongst those who have had less playing time in recent weeks or have only just returned: “It was very important for us to try and get players back into the swing of things – those who’ve played less, those who joined us at the last minute, or those returning from injury. We tried to simulate two or three different scenarios, because when we return to action we’ll have players suspended and injured, and it’s only right that everyone in our squad feels involved.”
Croci-Torti is also keeping an eye on the players on international duty, whose fitness will be assessed upon their return: “Moncada, Karimov and Delcroix have already played three matches and have one left, whilst Alioski still has two to go. We’ll see what condition they’re in when they return and then we’ll make the right choices for Saturday’s match.” L
LOOKING AHEAD TO LUZERN
After a few days’ rest, the bianconeri will begin preparations for their home fixture against Luzern, the first match in a particularly busy spell: “Now the lads will have a bit of a rest, then we’ll have thirty days in which we’ll be playing on three fronts every three days. This match was important to give playing time to those who’ve had less and to give those who’ve played a lot a breather.”
The manager’s assessment therefore remains focused on the work to be done ahead of the resumption: “Apart from the result, there are many positives, but certainly still plenty of things to work on.”