PRESS ROOM | Nicola before Monza-Cagliari
Pre-match press conference at the CRAI Sport Center for Rossoblù coach Davide Nicola, who met with journalists ahead of Monza-Cagliari, a match valid for the final round of the first half of the Serie A EniLive 2024/2025 season.
THE MATCH
“We’ve faced almost all the teams so far, and this match is definitely important because we’re up against a team fighting for the same goal as us. But talking about a relegation playoff is premature, there are still twenty games to go. Those who are fighting for survival know that every match has its own significance, and we must stay focused on our path. Anyone fighting for a similar objective knows that you need to stay sharp until the end, as things often get decided in the final stages, after you’ve been struggling for a long time”.
THE MOMENT
“The team is working well, but we need to be more clinical in the key moments of the games. It’s not about playing badly or well, but about recognizing when to attack and when to defend, even fiercely—sometimes just clearing the ball away, with a strong desire for the result. We need perseverance, energy, patience, and balance—qualities we’ve focused on developing further throughout the week. I’m convinced the hard work will pay off and that we’re on the right path. This is a group I like from day one for their dedication and commitment, they’ve already shown that. Together, we need to take a step forward to make the most of what we produce.”
MANY FANS FOLLOWING US
“Our fans are extraordinary. They showed their clear judgment even in the last match. We, too, want to be more decisive and repay their support. The Venezia game taught us that we need to improve in certain situations, but the team’s commitment and the fans’ support are key to making the difference. One of our primary goals is to make them proud and happy, and it hurts when we can’t achieve that.”
PLAYERS
“Aside from Ciocci, Kingstone, Luvumbo, and Jankto, who has a fever, the others will be available. As for Pavoletti, he could start or come on during the game, we’ll see. Rog? I’ve gotten to know him over these past few days, but right now the focus is only on the match against Monza. After the first half of the season, we’ll make the necessary evaluations. Prati? Matteo knows what I think of him, I always speak very clearly and directly. He’s a talented player that I like, and he’s an intelligent person. He plays in a position where we have five players doing well, and Matteo is the only one who unfortunately had a setback with an injury that kept him out for a month. But he has quality, and if I hadn’t seen that from the beginning, he wouldn’t have been confirmed. Zappa, a transfer target? I’m not interested in the market, but Gabriele definitely works hard and is proving his worth.”
CLINICALITY IN FRONT OF GOAL
“I understand the analysis of the numbers, but I prefer to focus on what we need to improve and on the many positive things the team has shown so far. We have confidence in our strikers, and we work every day to increase our finishing ability. I demand a lot from the group, but I am equally confident in their qualities. Scoring more goals is part of our growth process. The market? I’m not interested. A professional cannot be influenced by these dynamics. Scuffet? I’m sure he will have a great game.”
THE FUTURE
“Am I under discussion? It’s part of the job, it’s the life of a coach. I remain focused on the goal and I’m convinced we can achieve it. This group has the values and character to succeed, but we need to keep working with dedication and believe in our abilities.
