Turati: “I wanted to show that this team has a soul”

Coach Marco Turati spoke after the home victory against Campobasso: “We’re certainly happy with the result—first and foremost because of the joy we brought to our fans, and also because, frankly, the players deserved it given the effort they put in on the field. However, we know we need to improve—we need to step it up physically and also in terms of tactical understanding. When we had the chance to prepare meticulously for the match, we secured an excellent victory against Torres; but when we stray even slightly from our game plan, we need to learn to pay closer attention to the details and the various situations that arise during a match.

I’d been here before, but unfortunately during a time affected by COVID; today, however, I was able to enjoy—along with the team and my staff—a truly exciting atmosphere, with a crowd that spurred us on and supported us, helping the team stay focused even during difficult moments. If my team continues to show that it has heart and puts its soul into every play, the people of La Spezia will never abandon us and will be instrumental in bringing us great satisfaction.

Regarding the penalty kick—since we didn’t have real-time footage—we consulted the video referee because it seemed to us it might warrant a red card, but in reality, I had to make the call somewhat blindly since I hadn’t had a chance to review it properly.

Bright? Today we made several lineup changes, including giving Bright a chance—given Joselito’s less-than-ideal condition and Candelari’s absence—and he has qualities that others on this team lack: he’s good at making runs, he’s physical yet dynamic, and I can assure you he’s still only at 50%; he, like others, could have worked harder to get open, especially considering that we maintained over 60% possession again today, but that’s normal for a young player who still needs to build up his fitness and get more minutes.

Overall, what mattered most to me today was proving to everyone that this team has a soul: that was the most important thing.

Cardinali? I think he embodies the heart I mentioned earlier. He and Cancellieri gave it their all, dominating the wing.

Capomaggio? He has temperament, experience, charisma, and that fighting spirit I admire so much; clearly, he too started to tire a bit after the first hour, but he showed dedication and determination, hanging in there until the end; as soon as he fully understands what we’re asking of him, I’m sure he’ll be a truly decisive player.

I love playing, and the fact that we have another home game—in the Coppa Italia, once again in front of our fans—will be a new opportunity to grow; obviously, I would have preferred it at a different time, because coming right after the transfer window closed, it arrives at a peculiar moment, but I’m sure we’ll give it our all against Vado as well. Then on Sunday, we’ll face another challenge against a team backed by a crowd as wonderful as ours, so that will be another great test as well.

The transfer window? The club is working on it; we have a lot of players leaving and maybe still a few more to bring in.

Oyono? I’m thrilled because he’s a strong young player who’s only had two training sessions and has immediately shown full commitment; clearly, for obvious reasons, he’s still far from understanding exactly what we expect in detail, but he has dedication and drive, so I’m sure he’ll improve quickly.

Fontanarosa? He’s a young player; often he hasn’t even been able to get a chance to train with the team, but even for just five minutes in practice, he’s always given his all, always putting his heart and soul into it on the field. Today I wanted to reward him—it’s a shame the ball didn’t go in on the chance he had, but we’re very happy for him.”