After the match against FC Winterthur, Mattia Croci-Torti said he was satisfied above all with the attitude shown by his team, in addition to the result. The victory over Patrick Rahmen’s side represented a different kind of test, less obvious but no less significant, as the coach explained after the game: «After the home matches against Young Boys and Servette, today I told the team this was a small exam. I wanted to see if we had the same hunger and the same aggressiveness even against the team at the bottom of the table». A test passed especially in the first half, «by a team that tried to get the three points in every possible way».
The approach and the ability to set the tone early had been identified as key factors before kick-off, and Lugano delivered on both counts. «It was important to score first and to do it early», Croci-Torti recalled, while also pointing out the only real negative moment of the evening after the break: «It’s a pity about the goal we conceded, it was a lapse. We wanted to finish with a clean sheet, which always gives confidence to the defence». An episode that does not affect the overall assessment, also thanks to the team’s immediate reaction: «After the 3–1 we managed to regain control of the game and score the fourth goal straight away. That reaction really pleased me».
Lugano’s positive momentum is confirmed by a run of five consecutive victories, but Croci-Torti continues to stress caution and realism. «We don’t feel like we scare anyone», he clarified, urging to look beyond the standings: «One thing is the table, another is the pride and character of teams fighting to stay up. We have to take it one game at a time». At the same time, confidence is growing: «We know we are doing well and that we are currently the team in the best form in the league. We have to keep that inside us and keep looking forward».
In closing, the coach also commented on the condition of Marques, who was forced off early. «He had a few minor issues during the week, just like Zanotti», Croci-Torti explained. «They sacrificed themselves for the team. I don’t think it’s anything serious and we’ll try to get him back as soon as possible».
Another positive evening, therefore, not only for the standings but also for the signals sent by the group. And, as the coach reiterated, «what I liked most was the first half: playing all together».