After the midweek recovery round against FC St. Gallen, the Football Club Lugano immediately returns to the field to face FC Sion in the challenge valid for the 15th day of the Brack Super League. A quick come back that comes only three days after Wednesday's defeat, matured at the end of a game in which the HCL players have nevertheless shown order, intensity and personality. Mattia Croci-Torti underlined this also in the post-game, underlining how the team had conceded little until the guest 1-1 and would have deserved at least a point.
But now the attention is already completely turned to Saturday night at Cornaredo, where Sion arrives, currently sixth in the league standings with 20 points, two less than Lugano. Didier Tholot's formation experienced a solid beginning of the season and, even if without successes since the 28th of October, during the last three games it showed continuity in its performance: a defeat at Thun, a draw at Lausanne and a home draw against Zurich. A path marked by some difficulties in the defensive phase - ten goals conceded in the last five outings - but sustained by a clear identity and a propositional game proposal.
The seasonal precedent tells a different story: on the 3rd of August, at the Stade de Tourbillon, Sion won with a final result of 4-0, starting a complicated period from which FC Lugano has been able to stand up during the following weeks. Today the scenario is different, and Lugano arrives at the confrontation with a more solid structure, a defined identity and the will to resume the run interrupted on Wednesday.
At the same time, the challenge also brings with it particular narrative reasons: one on all the return to Cornaredo of Rilind Nivokazi, ex HCL player today protagonist in the Super League thanks to his seven seasonal goals. The Kosovo forward represents one of the guests' main offensive threats and will be a special observer in a game that, for both teams, promises to be intense and balanced.
The match will therefore require attention, compactness and management skills in both phases, especially considering the limited freshness after Wednesday's effort and the short time available to prepare for the match. However, Croci-Torti's group has already demonstrated several times to be able to respond in the most demanding moments, as the coach has reminded them several times during the season.
Cornaredo is ready to accompany another important evening: Lugano wants to move the league standings and to find again its continuity, while Sion is looking for points to relaunch its own march. A direct confrontation, a new character test, and an immediate occasion to turn the page.
INFIRMARY SITUATION
On the injured front, El Wafi 's condition remains to be assessed: the defender suffered a strong contusion against St. Gallen and will be monitored until the last hours before the match.
Belhadj, who is ill, will not be available.
Ezgjan Alioski, who has started individual work on the pitch and will be gradually reintegrated into the group from next week, is also continuing his recovery.
As for the longer returns, Mattia Bottani is continuing his rehabilitation with good sensations after the latest checks, while David von Ballmoos continues his programme between physiotherapy and the gym.