"My first time against Verona" - Italiano
Spezia coach, Vincenzo Italiano admits the match against Hellas Verona is an emotional game for him, where he played for 11 years.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT.
Midfielders Matteo Ricci and Gennaro Acampora are ruled out after positive COVID-19 tests.
“It’s an extra difficulty we really could’ve done without, because we already had quite a few absentees,”
Italiano
announced.
“Those who play against Verona will as always try to honour the jersey and cause problems for the opposition. We are getting good performances lately, but not the results to go with them. If we continue playing like this, I believe the results will come eventually thanks to a little more concentration.
“I asked the lads for more focus at both ends of the pitch, so when we’re defending and attacking, if we want to stop ending games with regrets. That little extra, whether it’s a sliding tackle, a sprint, a doubling up of marking, it can make the difference.”
Hellas Verona promoted just last season and easily finished mid-table.
“Under Ivan Juric, they play an aggressive and well-organised style of football, so they are continuing to prove their quality after last season.
“I won’t deny, this is a special moment for me, as it’s the first time I have faced Verona as a coach. Hellas represented my football life with 11 seasons there, 260 games, so many friends and a place in my heart.
“We’ll be rivals tomorrow, but the bond between me and this club will remain indelible.”
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