Source: Live broadcast
Verona head coach Paul-Zanetti attended a pre-match press conference in the fourth round of the home game against Juventus.
You’ve defeated Juventus when you were in Enfield, how can you beat a team like that?
Each season and each team is different. At the time we were in good condition, and they were in a low valley. To beat a team with many champions, many factors need to be combined. Now they are in good condition: the game is fast, aggressive, this is the result of their coach work, they are the champions and strong competitors in the European War. We have to focus on ourselves and make great performances again and fight for points.
In addition to the long-term injured, who else will be absent?
In addition to the players who were already out last week, Oyegok is also out with a broken foot. Valentini will return next week and Gagliardini will strive for a comeback against Roma, otherwise available against Sassuolo. Arui needs two to three weeks, while mosquera and Falu will resume joint training next week.
How does the team maintain a balance of mind and avoid a major downturn?
This is what we have to avoid: frustration when things go wrong, and excessive excitement when it goes well. We need stability in performance. We know that the first five games will meet three strong teams, but this is normal in the top league. We lost two points last week and now have to go all the way in these two difficult games. Most importantly, performance: it gives you confidence and balance. Our daily growth path is still long, but this week we are facing it with a different mood and consciousness. Players are enjoying and hoping to play a great game again because they have experienced the meaning of playing at Bent Gotti and feel the fans give you the power emotionally. This game requires us to be fearless, take the courage and go all the way.
How can we break Juve's goal?
Juve scored goals incredibly easily: they scored more goals and shooted more. They faced strong teams before, so also conceded goals, but you can clearly see the impact of Tudor. They are very aggressive, fight fiercely, and confront each other in the whole court. They completely follow through on the coaching philosophy, which also allows them to play their best. Plus, they have world-class players who can change the game. We must surpass ourselves in order to strive for a result.
How did you prepare for this match?
We must respect our opponents and not be arrogant. We just finished an important game against our direct competitors, but now we have to change our attitude, because the strength of Juve requires us to do so. We can't repeat the mistake we made against Lazio: we need to concentrate from the beginning and win the confrontation. We have to be clinical, mentality and spirit will be the most important, to understand what kind of game we are going to face. Physically we are growing, and mentally we are in a good state.
Juve are very threatening in set pieces. Does this worry you?
Our characteristics differed from last year. At the time, physical quality was one of our advantages, but now we lack two strong headball players like Galliardini and Valentini. Belgrade can progress, Benedetto and Zelda are not high, and we lack a height of more than 1m90 that can help our front in the ban area. We can only make up our attitude and look for tactical solutions that can help us. We must always stay focused, either in the offensive or in the defense.