Following Thursday’s impressive victory over Lucerne, FC Lugano are back in action straight away for Matchday 12 of the Brack Super League.
On Sunday 2 November at 2.00 pm, the Bianconeri host FC St. Gallen at the Stadio di Cornaredo, aiming to continue their climb up the table and build on the success achieved in the midweek fixture.
Mattia Croci-Torti’s side go into the match buoyed by a second half of great intensity and character against Lucerne, which highlighted the depth of the squad and their ability to react at key moments. As the manager explained after Thursday’s match, ‘the three points are the team’s response’, and the side have shown they can win through solidarity, concentration and team spirit.
Opposing them will be one of the league’s most solid sides: Enrico Maassen’s St. Gallen, currently second in the table behind Thun. The White-and-Greens have yet to draw this season, racking up numerous wins and just four defeats — the latest of which came last Tuesday in a 3-2 away defeat at Sion. The two sides have already met this season on 13 September in St. Gallen, with the hosts winning 1-0.
Sunday’s clash therefore promises to be intense and wide open, with Lugano determined to capitalise on the support of their home crowd to close the gap on the top of the table. A win would see the Bianconeri reduce the gap to St. Gallen to two points, confirming the upward trend of recent weeks.
Determination, unity and composure will once again be key to facing an opponent in fine form and continuing to build confidence. Kick-off is at 14.00 at the Cornaredo Stadium.
INJURY UPDATE The recovery
process continues for several Bianconeri players, who will be absent from the match against St. Gallen.
Ahmed Kendouci continues his fitness programme and will be available to the manager next week. Rehabilitation programmes are also continuing for Renato Steffen and Ezgjan Alioski, who are still recovering from their respective injuries (a fractured rib and fibula).
Mattia Bottani is due for a specialist assessment next week to determine the exact timing of his return, whilst scans carried out on David von Ballmoos after the match against Lucerne revealed a tendon injury to his right rectus femoris. The goalkeeper has already begun his rehabilitation programme and will be monitored over the coming days to assess his progress.