European Cups

I will change something and the market during the matches is not going well. And about Dzeko..

Published

2 months ago

08/27/2025

Staff

Fiorentina: Pioli Press Conference

Tomorrow will be another European night for Fiorentina, tasked with finishing the job started last week against Polissya. Riding high on the 3-0 victory from the first leg, Stefano Pioli’s team is gearing up to face the return leg at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia. This is where the coach held a press conference to discuss the upcoming European challenge.

Head Coach of AC Milan Stefano Pioli during italian soccer Serie A season 2019/20 of AC Milan – Photo credit Fabrizio Carabelli /LM

How is Dzeko doing and what are you asking of him?
“Edin is doing well, he had some minor issues but now he is ready to play. He is more of a playmaker striker than a depth striker, but he has the intelligence to do both. Teams are built by fielding different characteristics.”

Considering the result of the first leg, will you think about rotation or stick with what has been seen so far?
“I will make some changes. The choices for Cagliari were heading towards continuity, but tomorrow will be the third away game in a week. I am convinced that we have an excellent team, not just the starting eleven but all 22-23 players. I will make some changes but the attitude and quality will not change, we will be balanced and prepared to face the match well.”

What does Piccoli add to the [Fiorentina] attacking department?
“An important addition, he gives us more offensive solutions in terms of depth and ball management. He has technical and physical ability, can integrate well, and I am happy that he has arrived also because he has presented himself well. We want players who arrive convinced they have made the right choice, he arrived at the right time and with the right attitude. I am happy with his signing and the significant investment made by the club.”

Have you chosen between De Gea and Martinelli for tomorrow? Do you expect more from the transfer market?
“I don’t like to talk about the match, there is still a round to play. I will decide tomorrow whether to play De Gea or Martinelli. Regarding the market, I only say that there are a few days left, we’ll see. I have been clear with the club, if we can improve and add players with the right characteristics, good, otherwise we will stay as we are.”

What do you think of Fagioli?
“For me, he is a playmaker, dynamic and continuous. For me, he has the best characteristics to play this game, then it also depends on the formation. Let’s see his completion and our performances, for now, we have completed the attacking department in which we have 5 players. I am fortunate to have Gud and Fazzini who can play as second striker, trequartista, but also midfielder, there are many things we need to look for within the game. Fagioli knows how to play the ball and play vertically, he can also play higher but at the moment I see him as a game builder.”

What are you working on in these weeks?
“There are many situations and balances in the game that we need to seek. It is good to play a lot during this period, of course, training is necessary but then it’s the matches that show at what level we are in individual situations. I am waiting attentively for developments. On Thursday we played with higher quality, on Sunday the technical level and lucidity were lower and we had difficulty creating offensive situations. I am focusing on the team’s balance, then later on we will also work on details to raise the level.”

Will Fortini stay at Fiorentina? What is his role?
“He came with an injury to recover from, now he is in a position to play. He is interesting, has quality and good speed, can play on both the right and left. He can stay with us to continue growing.”

Do you expect any changes from Polissya? How does it change for a coach to prepare matches against lesser-known teams?
“Their coach is excellent, in the first leg, we were good at surprising them. I told the boys that in the return leg, we have an advantage because we know each other better, but we must be ready because they will change something to upset the balance. We must be especially attentive at the beginning. Traveling around Europe and facing different coaches is stimulating, there is always the possibility to study and understand something. Yesterday’s Champions League results are emblematic of this, there are good players and coaches all over the world, and we must never underestimate anyone. I repeat to the team that we are sure to work well, but it’s not always possible to do everything perfectly as planned. Football is simple, but situations on the field change quickly and require great reading, attention, and communication.”

Starting from the controversies raised by Italiano, how much does the still-open market influence?
“It’s not only difficult to work like this, it’s also wrong. It’s not clear why the market should continue with the matches ongoing, especially since the seasons end in late May. Coaches cannot understand this. However, I must emphasize that in my group, beyond Comuzzo’s situation which may take something away because inevitably such a situation leads to gossip, I always see great attention. We want to have ambition in the Conference, but if we don’t pass tomorrow, everything will be thrown away. The market doesn’t interest us right now, the attitudes are all correct but something needs to change because what Italiano says is what all coaches think.”

How did you find Sabiri? Can he stay [at Fiorentina]?
“At the beginning, he was not part of our plans, but out of necessity, we brought him in and he behaved very well. He has good qualities, he is doing well, he will be with us tomorrow but I cannot say what will happen in the last days of the market.”

Do you agree with the referees’ explanations for VAR decisions?
“The fact that the referee can explain the decision is a good thing. About ten years ago, I went to see the Six Nations rugby, they gave me earphones at the entrance for the referee’s explanations. I really like that.”

Are you in favor of VAR on call?
“I am in favor of having the best actual time possible, with potential calls, I think too much time would be lost. So, I don’t like it, I am in favor of actual time even if we will never reach it. That’s why I would continue like this, accepting the referee’s decisions.

That said, VAR should only intervene in clear and evident errors, which is not always done and is wrong.

The different approach between the first leg with Polissya and Cagliari?
“Right praise after Thursday, right criticism after Sunday because we did not perform as we wanted.”

How is Pongracic and how do you see him?
“He has very important potential. He is a complete defender with reading abilities, physicality, and knows how to play. He is growing and can still grow, a lot will depend on his attitude. A defender must have reliability and this characteristic must be trained consistently. We are working on this and I am getting good responses.”

Mandragora had problems during the retreat and has not yet renewed. However, on Sunday he entered the field greatly…
“He is 100% part of the project. He had a bruised knee problem and did not train consistently, he is strong and intelligent and is absolutely part of the project.”

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European Cups

180 fans arrested on the eve of the match

Published

2 hours ago

10/21/2025

Staff

The third day of the Champions League will also see Atalanta take on Slavia Prague. The match is scheduled to kick off tomorrow at 9 PM.

The Champions League continues with the third day, which will also feature the match between Atalanta and Slavia Prague.

The Nerazzurri team has so far achieved one win and one loss, currently having three points in the standings.

On the other hand, the Czech team has only managed to accumulate one point, placing them thirty-first.

After the heavy defeat at the Parc des Princes, La Dea immediately bounced back, securing a comeback victory against Bruges.

A breath of fresh air for the Orobics, who remain unbeaten in the league and aim for a second consecutive victory in Europe.

Juric is expected to field Lookman up front, with Sulemana likely to support him. Scalvini, on the other hand, will not be available for the match, once again sidelined.

However, keep an eye on Krstovic, who could be the last-minute surprise.

There are few doubts in midfield, where the young Bernasconi is set to start alongside Ederson, De Roon, and Bellanova.

Slavia Prague’s Lineup

It will be the second consecutive Italian away trip for Slavia Prague under Trpisovsky, seeking redemption at Atalanta’s home.

Following the 3-0 defeat at San Siro against Inter, the Czech team is positioned at the bottom of the table with just one point earned against Bodo Glimt.

The match appears to be very challenging, but the Czech team is determined to secure their first victory in this European campaign.

Possible Lineups

Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Ahanor; Bellanova, de Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere; Lookman, Sulemana. Coach: Juric

Slavia Prague (4-5-1): Staněk; Hashioka, Zima, Chaloupek, Vlček; Provod, Sadilek, Zafeiris, Dorley, Douděra; Kušej. Coach: Trpišovsky

Where to Watch

The match between Atalanta and Salvia Prague, scheduled for tomorrow evening at 9:00 PM, can be viewed on:

Sky Sport Uno

Sky Sport 4K

Sky Sport

Now Tv

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European Cups

Inter, possible Champions League turnover: Chivu doses the energies

Published

6 hours ago

10/21/2025

Staff

Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match against Union Saint Gilloise.

Inter is aiming for a third consecutive victory in the Champions League. On the European path of the Nerazzurri, there is Union Saint Gilloise, the Belgian champions. Chivu’s team will take the field tomorrow at 9 pm at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels. On the eve of the match, Inter coach Christian Chivu presents the Champions League challenge. Here are his words.

Inter, Chivu’s words on Sky Sport

How will you manage the team in consideration of Napoli?

“Since I arrived, I have been asking the players for responsibility and passion. We need to honor this competition, at the moment we are only focused on tomorrow’s match.”

Opponent.

“A team with its own identity, last year they won the championship. They are still at the top of the league, having beaten PSV in the Champions League. They are a very physical and aggressive team, so we need to be very good at avoiding their pressure.”

Has the team’s mentality returned?

“I have tried to do my job. It’s just a matter of perception, driven by results. When you win, everything is easier and you are praised. I have been living in this world for many years, I know how it works in Italy, and it takes very little to start saying certain things again. I am happy with what the boys are giving me, they have the ambition to stay at the levels reached in recent years.”

Thuram.

MARCUS THURAM A TERRA RAMMARICATO ( FOTO DI SALVATORE FORNELLI )

“It’s a shame, he is an important player and was in great shape and confidence. I believe he will rejoin the group next week, I don’t know if it will be against Fiorentina or Hellas Verona.”

Chivu in press conference

Do you want to repeat last year’s journey?

“We have an obligation to think big. We have a supporting society and we must be our best version to be present in all competitions by spring.”

What needs to be avoided now?

“We need to maintain enthusiasm and try to avoid missteps. We have delivered good performances and we have the ambition to move forward following the same path of the past few weeks.”

How are Lautaro and Thuram?

“Lautaro is fine and has not had the problems he had before Roma. He has also recovered from his cold and has made good progress. Marcus needs a few extra days, he won’t be available for Napoli.”

What do you expect from Union St Gilloise?

“The team is very aggressive and wants to press high, I don’t know if they will change against us but I don’t think they will alter their identity. They have already earned three points in the Champions League and are at the top of the league. The incident with Newcastle is something that can happen to anyone, they are a strong and very aggressive team.”

Are you also thinking about the Napoli match?

“We think game by game and the Champions League should not be underestimated. We know what it means to play in the Champions League and we must honor our history. In the last three years, these boys have reached two finals, which is no small feat. There are teams that don’t make it in 30 years, let alone two in three years. We approach this match with the utmost responsibility and attention.”

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European Cups

Probable lineups and where to watch it – Soccer style

Published

10 hours ago

10/20/2025

Staff

Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match against Union Saint Gilloise.

Inter is looking for their third consecutive victory in the Champions League. On the European journey of the Nerazzurri is Union Saint Gilloise, the Belgian champions. Chivu’s team will take the field tomorrow at 9 PM at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels. On the eve of the match, Inter coach Christian Chivu presents the Champions League match. Below are his words.

Inter, Chivu’s words on Sky Sport

How will you manage the team also with Napoli in mind?

“Since I arrived, I have been asking for responsibility and passion from the boys. We need to honor this competition, at this moment we are only thinking about tomorrow’s match.”

Opponent.

“A team that has its own identity, last year they won the championship. They are still at the top of the league, they beat PSV in the Champions League. They are a very physical and aggressive team, we will have to be very good at avoiding their pressure.”

Has the group mentality been regained?

“I have tried to do my job. It’s just a matter of perception, given by the results. When you win, everything is easier, and you get praised. I have been in this world for many years, I know how it works in Italy, and it takes little to start saying certain things again. I am happy with what the boys are giving me, they have the ambition to stay at the levels reached in recent years.”

Thuram.

MARCUS THURAM A TERRA RAMMARICATO (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

“It’s a shame, he is an important player and was in great shape, and in confidence. I believe he will rejoin the group next week, I’m not sure if it will be against Fiorentina or Hellas Verona.”

Chivu in the press conference

Do you want to repeat last year’s path?

“We have an obligation to think big. We have a club that supports us and we must be the best version of ourselves to be present in all competitions by spring.”

What needs to be avoided now?

“We need to maintain enthusiasm and try to avoid missteps. We have had good performances and we have the ambition to continue following the same path as in recent weeks.”

How are Lautaro and Thuram?

“Lautaro is fine and has not had the same issues he had before Roma. He has also recovered from a cold and has made a good recovery. Marcus needs a few more days, he won’t be available for Napoli.”

What do you expect from Union St Gilloise?

“The team is very aggressive and wants to press high, I don’t know if they will change against us but I don’t think they will change their identity. They have already taken three points in the Champions League and are top of the league. The incident with Newcastle is something that can happen to anyone, they are a strong and very aggressive team.”

Are you also thinking about the Napoli match?

“We think game by game and the Champions League is not to be underestimated. We know what it means to play in the Champions League and we must honor our history. In the last three years, these boys have reached two finals and that is not easy, there are teams that can’t make it in 30 years, let alone two in three years. We treat this match with the utmost responsibility and attention.”

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