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The Champions League is back in the spotlight with Kairat Almaty-Pafos. The two teams are hunting for their first victory in their historic first participation.

A promising start for the Cypriots, a bit less for the Kazakhs, considering the opponents. However, both are determined to take advantage of the clash with teams of similar level to secure the first three points.

Here Kairat Almaty

The team of Rafale Urazbakhtin comes from a heavy defeat against Real Madrid but is aware that they can do something positive in this Champions League, especially in front of their home crowd. The lineup is expected to confirm the 4-4-2 formation with the attacking duo formed by the usual Satpayev and Monteiro.

In front of Kalmurza, the central defenders Martynovich and Sorokin are likely to be confirmed, while on the wings, it will be up to Tapalov and Mata. In the midfield, the chances of Kasabulat and Arad as central midfielders are rising, and to complete the department, most likely Mrynskiy and Gromyko will be there.

Here Pafos

The team, known for, among other things, signing David Luiz, should find the right formation in a 3-4-3 to face the challenge. The point earned against Olympiacos brings a lot of confidence, and there is the goal of winning.

The former Chelsea and PSG player will complete the defensive line alongside Goldar and Luckassen in front of the goalkeeper Michael. In the midfield, there will be room for Jajà and Pileas on the flanks, while in the center, it will probably be Pepè and Sunjic. The front three will be formed by Orsic, Silva, and Dragomir.

Kairat Almaty-Pafos, probable lineups

Kairat Almaty (4-4-2): Kalmurza, Tapalov, Martynovich, Sorokin, Mata, Mrynskiy, Kasabulat, Arad, Gromyko, Satpayev, Monteiro.

Pafos (3-4-3): Michael, David Luiz, Goldar, Luckassen, Jajà, Pepè, Sunjic, Pileas, Orsic, Silva, Dragomir.

Kairat Almaty-Pafos: where to watch

The match will be broadcast live and exclusively on SKY with the kick-off tomorrow, October 21st, at 18:45.

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The Bologna coach, Vincenzo Italiano, commented on his team’s 1-1 home draw against the German team Fribourg.

The former coach of Fiorentina wanted to reassure his players that the season has just begun, before addressing the drop in tension and gameplay in the second half that allowed the Germans to equalize.

VINCENZO ITALIANO POINTS THE FINGER (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

Bologna, Italiano’s words

Vincenzo Italiano spoke to Sky Sport microphones at the end of the Europa League match against Fribourg. Below are his words.

Coach, the first half was characterized by great compactness and application. In the second half, it seemed like the team struggled more: how do you evaluate the match?
“I agree, I really liked the first half, we approached it well, regaining compactness and conceding almost nothing to the opponents, apart from a few corner kicks. In the second half, I expected Fribourg to drop physically, but instead they held on until the ninetieth minute with structured and also qualitative players. We suffered them a bit, and in the end, a draw came out. It’s not more than a point, but it’s necessary, especially for the performance.”

In the second half, it seemed like the team struggled to find opportunities to counterattack.
“Yes, we didn’t have the ability to create those important breaks to seal the deal, they remained compact and didn’t allow us to develop what we had prepared. Apart from a quarter of an hour where the entry of Rowe and Bernardeschi gave us new energy, we couldn’t change the momentum. But we have to look ahead: we moved up the standings with a valuable point, and our goal remains to advance from the group, regardless of the placement.”

The players, Bernardeschi in particular, showed signs of growth. Are you satisfied with their attitude?
“The boys have to stay calm, it’s October 2nd, and there is time to grow. Last year, at this time, we were in a worse position, and then things improved. Berna will grow, Rowe will grow, everyone will grow. We are delivering top-notch performances at times, we lack consistency, but the solutions will come. There are huge margins, and I am convinced that by working consistently, we will find the completeness we seek.”

You mentioned physical sharpness: is this limit only due to a conditioning issue?
“Partly yes, but not only: if you are ahead, it’s normal for the opponent to raise their level and put pressure on you. We also have to get used to the rhythms of back-to-back games, Thursday-Sunday. Again, it’s still early because it’s only the beginning of October: growth will come, today we add a point to the standings, and we have to continue to earn more because the Europa League is competitive.”

The expectations around Bologna have grown a lot: can they become a burden?
“The expectations are there, and they are our merit, the growth that the club has had in recent years, and the results achieved. They shouldn’t become negative pressures, rather a stimulus. In England, against the strongest in the group, we delivered an excellent performance, while at home, it’s clear that we always want to win, but it won’t be easy against anyone. We all have to contribute: me and the staff finding solutions, the boys with their attention to the details that can be improved. Back-to-back games will help us grow physically and qualitatively, even if some details need to be adjusted in the spaces we will have. The leap in quality is not immediate, it happens gradually, step by step. The faster we overcome them, the better the results will come. I am confident: this team has huge potential.”