Giampaolo: “The derby is a fresh start. I believe in my team and our football”

Marco Giampaolo is in an upbeat mood going into the derby, a match he sees as the perfect opportunity to bounce back from a poor run of results before the international break.

“We’ve managed to get our players fit again these last few days, though some of them are better than others,” the coach told journalists at a news conference on Saturday.

“The break was a good thing, shall we say, because it interrupted the run of bad results we were on. In any case, the derby resets everything. It’s a fresh start, different from anything else. And it’s a game you must try to boss by showing no fear, not sitting back and waiting.”

Giampaolo also spoke about the match’s significance for the city, which has been heightened by the tragic events of the summer.

“The derby is a huge sports event for the city. We mustn’t mix up the recent tragedy and the difficulties that have ensued with football. We’ve witnessed hardships, people having to leave their homes and mourning but sport is something different. Sport brings people together, even when it involves rivalry and ribbing.

“Those who have played in past derbies know it’s a unique feeling. It’s a game you experience and play with joy. It’s not difficult to prepare for this game. You don’t need to give the players anything extra; if anything, you need to reel them in. The motivation comes by itself and the players sense it during the week. You don’t need to explain anything to the new guys: we have videos, the fans’ support and testimonies of those who have played it before. They all understand what the derby is about.”