PRESS ROOM | Esposito after Fiorentina-Cagliari

Cagliari striker Sebastiano Esposito’s analysis after the Rossoblu’s 2-1 win in Florence against Fiorentina. The Neapolitan forward provided an assist for Palestra and a solid performance in both phases.

DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN
“We played a good game right from the start, struggling just right in the second half and starting very well in both the first and second halves. We didn’t concede more than we should have, we’re on the right path, but we really shouldn’t let our guard down. I’m coming off a season with Empoli, where last year we were very high up at the halfway point and then we were relegated. So, let’s not let our guard down and work as always. Let’s save ourselves first and then we’ll talk about other things, if necessary. This team has never faltered. Maybe—as happens to everyone—we weren’t brilliant in some games: but the spirit and the desire to work have always been there, and the next step will be to be ready against both the big and the small teams.”

THE FEELING WITH KILICSOY AND PALESTRA
“I have a good relationship with Semih, we speak English, and I’m happy he scored another important goal for us. Marco? He has enormous qualities, he needs to provide me with more assists because he’s only one for now (he jokes, ed.): today he scored a beautiful and important goal for the team. Is he better than my brother Francesco Pio? For now, my brother; when he provides me with 3-4 assists, I’ll say him (he jokes, ed.). Meanwhile, today I provided him with his first Serie A goal.”

FUNDAMENTAL SACRIFICE
“I think it’s normal for a modern striker: watching even the greatest, you can see how everyone works for the team across the pitch. On every front, you have to run, suffer, and provide quantity and not just quality. Our path requires sacrifice; today I had to carefully watch one of the best playmakers in the league, I’m happy with everything. Am I missing goals? For a striker, it’s always vital, I won’t deny it, but I absolutely don’t miss them. At the start of the season, I was criticized for not scoring, but I’ve always said—even in conversations with the coach—that I’m not a player who lives for goals and that’s all. I’ve had a difficult time with off-field problems, but I’m recovering well, and I think that showed in today’s performance. The role? In today’s football, position isn’t the only criterion for evaluation, because the game takes you around the pitch, you have to present yourself in various situations and positions where the game plan requires it: I can play as a striker, even if I’m not a tank, or play in other positions as a link and finisher.”