Hellas Verona`s coach, Paolo Zanetti, has voiced his team`s fervent desire to secure their inaugural league victory. Ahead of their upcoming home fixture against Sassuolo, the Gialloblu find themselves with three points from five matches, a tally reflecting three draws and two defeats. Zanetti emphasized the team`s unwavering commitment to changing this narrative, stating, “We truly want to win this game; we work for it and do everything to make it happen.”
Performance vs. Results
Zanetti acknowledged that despite delivering strong performances, the results haven`t consistently matched their efforts. He underscored that while good performances are crucial for building a stable foundation, they are not sufficient without points. He stressed that winning should not become an “obsession,” but rather a continuous pursuit of high-level performance, which he believes will naturally lead to positive outcomes for his new and evolving team. The coach praised Verona`s emerging quality and identity, though he cautioned that every match, particularly direct confrontations, is a challenging battle often decided by minor details.
Forward Duo and Squad Depth
Addressing the synergy between young forwards Giovane and Orban, Zanetti downplayed concerns about their interplay. He suggested that such questions would likely not arise if they were scoring more consistently. He highlighted their valuable contribution of speed and the significant number of chances they create, considering it`s only their third game playing together. He drew a contrast with more experienced attacking trios, emphasizing the promising development of his young duo. Zanetti also made it clear that the focus shouldn`t exclusively be on these two, as other players like Sarr and Mosquera are equally vital, and he aims to avoid overburdening the young talents with excessive responsibility.
Injury Report and Team Morale
On the injury front, Zanetti provided mixed news. He confirmed the return of Valentini and Mosquera to the squad. However, he reported a setback for Al-Musrati, who sustained a minor adductor lesion and will require further evaluation. Oyegoke is also sidelined with a foot bone infraction, necessitating a week-by-week assessment, while Harroui is expected back after the international break.
Reflecting on the team`s spirit following the recent match against Roma, Zanetti affirmed that the internal message remains consistent: analyze performances regardless of the final score, identify areas for improvement, and strive for unwavering consistency. His primary apprehension is not about losing matches, but rather about potential fluctuations in performance levels. He expressed confidence that consistent, high-quality displays will inevitably yield desired results. Regarding controversial refereeing decisions, Zanetti maintained a pragmatic stance, stating, “Episodes happen… I prefer to focus on what we could have done better.” He lauded Verona`s ethos of hard work and minimal complaining.
Tactics for Sassuolo and Future Outlook
Looking ahead to the clash with Sassuolo, Zanetti acknowledged their opponent`s strengths, particularly their dangerous counter-attacks. He stressed the imperative of aggressive play across all phases of the game to effectively deny space to Sassuolo`s key players. When questioned about the hypothetical scenario of securing an “ugly” win, Zanetti unequivocally affirmed his contentment, reiterating that while he values attractive football, points and the club`s survival are the ultimate priorities. He also expressed hope that Suslov, if in peak form, could be a strong asset, reflecting his broader ambition to elevate the team`s overall quality and depth across all positions.
The coach concluded by praising the high morale within the squad, noting the players` enthusiasm and enjoyment of their work. He highlighted the successful efforts to forge a strong group dynamic, especially among the diverse international players, who have already overcome initial challenges and delivered several strong performances. He singled out Frese`s excellent contributions in defense, which he sees as fostering healthy competition within the team, and anticipates a significant impact from Mosquera, known for his ability to score from the bench, alongside other promising talents like Belghali and Kastanos.
