D’Angelo: “Ready to start again with the same mindset that defines us”

Two days before Spezia’s league opener against Carrarese, coach Luca D’Angelo spoke to the press: "The team is in pretty good shape. Against Sampdoria we played the game we needed to play, stretching out a bit only in the latter stages of the second half, but overall it was a very good performance and we’re ready for Sunday.

Kouda is definitely available and could even start; we’ll evaluate Vlahovic tomorrow in training, while Cassata will certainly be available since he’s been back with the group these past few days.

If you look only at the players who played most often last season, we’ve changed quite a bit, but that’s because we want to give more space to young, talented players already in the squad. As for the core group, that hasn’t changed. Of course, injuries to players like Bandinelli and Vignali are significant for us, and we hope to get them back as soon as possible.

Carrarese haven’t changed much, and for me they were last year’s surprise package along with Juve Stabia. As always, I expect a tough match, and we’ll be ready.

We know the squad still needs to be completed—we have to strengthen in the areas where we’re thin. The transfer window is still open, and I know the club is working to bring in players who can help us, also in terms of numbers. For example, on the left side we currently only have Aurelio.

The squad knows how to stay grounded, we did it all last season, and I’m sure the mentality won’t be lacking this year either. Right now, everyone starts from zero. We just need to focus on playing our game to bring home three points.

Artistico? He’s got everything he needs to do well. Of course, given his build he won’t be at 100% right away, but his fitness is improving day by day, and that’s important.

Cistana and Candela are experienced players who came in for Bertola and Elia, and I’m pleased with what they showed against Sampdoria.

As for the group, I see once again a lot of good guys with the right attitude and a real desire to play. I’ve never understood how some coaches can claim they already have a ‘great group’ in the summer, before the real challenges begin. To evaluate a group you need time and the difficulties of the season, but we’re definitely starting from a very good base.

Goalkeepers? I know Loria very well, he’s come in to complete the unit. From there, they’ll compete for the spot, just like at every other position.

Season expectations? Our place among the favorites comes mainly from what we achieved last year, but now everything starts from zero. We don’t feel any pressure, we just want to be ourselves and play our football. On paper, Empoli, Venezia, and Palermo look the most solid and well-prepared, and Modena and Bari have also had strong transfer windows. But in the end, the field will decide. We need to focus on ourselves.

Young players promoted to the first team? Bertoncini is the most developed and oldest of the group, so he’s a step ahead, but I’ve seen many promising youngsters. Credit goes to our youth sector, because beyond talent, when you step into the first team you also need the right attitude, and I’ve seen boys who are ready in that sense.

A sold-out stadium? Having a full house every game will be a huge advantage.

As for last season’s legacy, let’s remember we sent Esposito and Bertola to Serie A, and Reca is back playing in European competition, so we should be proud of that. At the same time, we all need to avoid comparisons and instead help our players give their best, both humanly and technically. Regarding predictions, clearly some clubs have been very aggressive on the transfer market. We’re trying to do things wisely and carry our project forward".