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Two days before the challenge against Lecce, Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane spoke in a press conference to preview the match valid for the 4th round of Serie A.

The Cagliari, coming off their first win of the season against Parma at home, is gearing up for the away game against Lecce. The two teams will face each other in the Friday night match. Two days before the game, Cagliari’s coach Fabio Pisacane spoke at the Domus Arena press conference to introduce the match against Lecce. Below are his statements.

Cagliari, Pisacane’s words

The challenge.

“It’s a mini final, a direct clash that we will play to win with intelligence. We have played three games where we held our ground well. In the last game, we paid for the emotional state, we had a few too many technical errors and some wrong reads from the side, something we need to pay attention to on Friday because Lecce exploits the flanks.”

The opponent.

“Lecce drew the first game by playing a great match. Even in that game, their value was evident. Against Milan, it was a different game, but even there, it was a match where they could have troubled the opponent. In Bergamo, they were in the game for 40 minutes, a set piece determined the match and there were things that came out that we hope to exploit. We need to be compact and clear-headed and be good at hurting, we know it won’t be an easy match, we have to do everything to get the most out of it.”

Prati’s moment.

“Matteo is a fundamental player for me, I always want him in the team. He needs to bring in that characteristic of getting dirty that he had less of in the past, I make very specific requests to him, I don’t want him to come pick up the ball next to the defenders, I want him to free himself because by going vertical, he can fulfill those requests we want in the game strategies.”

Injury situation.

“Pavoletti worked partially in the group, we hope he will be better tomorrow, we hope he can be included in the squad. Radunovic and Luvumbo remain sidelined. I have a special bond with Lecce, I thank the club and the fans, I’m sorry I didn’t give as much as I wanted. I want to remember Graziano Fiorita, a wonderful person. I send a hug to his wife and children. I have clarified things with Di Francesco, the past is the past.”

How do you work to be more effective?

“The dialogue with the team is constant, they know there have been some choices that do not meet the requirements, they are the first to know we often have to resort to Caprile. Parma gave us points and mental solidity. We are at the beginning of a journey, it’s normal to have ups and downs occasionally, we need to recognize these moments and light a warning signal. I am in favor of the five substitutions because it is an advantage. It’s something that, combined with off-field situations that I want to promote to give importance to all players, even those who don’t start.”

Belotti’s performance? How is Kilicsoy?

“Belotti played a very good game, he got minutes and is a player who can start from the first minute. I have a doubt. Kilicsoy is a player who could have come in as a substitute and didn’t come in due to technical choice based on the game and the moment. He could also come in.”

Tactical setup.

“I think the team has an identity and is showing that spirit. Sometimes we start with 4, football is dynamic, teams move and often teams force you to go to five, like in Naples. Also on Friday, we could see a Cagliari that starts with 4 and then, depending on the opponents’ attitude, switch to a five-man line. It’s not a matter of formation, with Inter and Frosinone it will be a game along the same lines. My boys are mature and experienced, they have played in such hot environments before, they don’t need to show me they can handle the pressure of a hot environment.”

Where do you see Felici performing best?

“He is an important player, having lost Luvumbo, he can help us in that role. He can start from the first minute and can give us that contribution we need and those characteristics that not all players have.”