Following the international break, FC Lugano return to Cornaredo to face FC Zürich on Matchday 9 of the Brack Super League. The match, scheduled for Saturday 18 October at 8.30 pm, marks the resumption of the league season and presents a fresh test for Croci-Torti’s side, who are determined to build on the progress shown in recent weeks.
The Bianconeri go into the match on the back of three consecutive positive results: the draw with Lausanne and victories over Grasshopper and Winterthur have given Lugano a new lease of life, with the side now eighth in the table on 10 points. Zurich, fifth on 13 points, will be looking to bounce back following their defeat in the derby against Grasshopper before the break.
The two sides go into the match following the international break in similar situations: Lugano have been without Alioski, Belhadj and Saipi, who were on international duty, whilst Zurich saw five players leave for their respective national teams (Comenencia, Tsawa, Huber, Volken and Stork).
Cornaredo, where the Bianconeri have recorded two wins, a draw and just one defeat this season (on the opening day against Thun), remains a stronghold. In front of their home crowd, the team has always shown unity and character, qualities that will be crucial to maintaining their positive run and attempting to close the gap on their rivals in the table.
Last season saw a perfect balance between the two sides: one win apiece and a draw across the three league encounters. A precedent that suggests another evenly matched contest, in which every detail could prove decisive.
COMMENTS FROM CROCI-TORTI AND GRGIC
“Getting another positive result would give the squad even greater confidence in what they’re doing,” explained Mattia Croci-Torti on the eve of the match. “Zurich are a side who always try to play football: they build from the back, have quick wingers who often take on their men, and look to create an advantage in one-on-one situations. For us, it will be crucial to maintain balance and intensity, because we’re facing a brave and capable opponent.”
The Bianconeri coach highlighted his team’s progress since the break: “We’ve worked well, particularly on our physical condition and the consistency of our play. At home, we’re rediscovering the solidity that has always set us apart, and we want to capitalise on the momentum at Cornaredo to build on our recent performances. Our attitude will be the same as always: courage, unity and the desire to win.”
Croci-Torti also spoke about individual players and the contribution of Anto Grgic, the team’s technical leader and penalty taker: “Anto is an extraordinary player in terms of vision and personality. He’s selfless, always thinking about getting the best out of his teammates, but he also has shooting ability that I’d like to see him utilise more. He has enormous potential with shots from distance: let’s hope that Bislimi and Cimignani’s goals from outside the box against Winterthur were just the start of a run. And I’ve got a little bet with Anto on free-kicks… which I hope to lose soon,” smiled the manager.
The Bianconeri number 8, fresh from making his 100th appearance for the club, confirmed the confidence placed in him by the manager and the squad: “When positive results come in, everything changes: confidence grows, belief increases and energy is created in the dressing room. I try to help the team as best I can, even with penalties or in decisive moments. But I know we can do even better and we want to prove it straight away.”
FC Lugano v FC Zurich kicks off on Saturday 18 October at 8.30 pm at the Stadio di Cornaredo.
KELVIN AND KENDOUCI BACK IN TRAINING WITH THE SQUAD
Four players are unavailable ahead of the clash against the Zurich side. Ahmed Kendouci and Damian Kelvin are continuing their recovery and have both resumed training with the team. Mattia Bottani is continuing his individual rehabilitation programme.
As for Renato Steffen, during a check-up as part of his rehabilitation, X-rays revealed a small compound fracture of the sixth right rib. According to specialists, the injury was most likely already present following the incident on 17 September during the match against FC Lausanne Sport, but had not initially been detected by either X-ray or CT scan, as the fracture was impacted. The initial diagnosis has therefore been revised. In light of the new findings, Steffen will begin a new course of rehabilitation, with the recovery timeframe to be determined based on the progression of his clinical and diagnostic findings.