Cagliari occupies 7th place in the Serie A3 table, with only 3 points behind us. What game are you expecting on Saturday night?

Cagliari is an experienced team, with a good defensive wall organisation. We should be patient and clear-headed in times when trades become prolonged. I think quality in counterattacking can make the difference.

It’s your first job as a head coach, and especially in a city where everything began for you. How could you say no?

I couldn’t say no: I had a strong desire to start and take on this responsibility. I must say that I later realized what it meant to do it in your own city. I haven’t been in Bologna for a few years, but as soon as I got the job I received many messages of affection.

The team is in a difficult moment for results, due to the last 3 KOs. What air do you breathe? What were your priorities?

As soon as I arrived I found players who had lost a bit of confidence in themselves, but with great availability and participation to try to get out of a difficult moment. The priority for me was to immediately listen to all the members of the team, to seek agreement on certain aspects of the game in which they felt more confident. Few priorities to think about, better to take a step back and work on the quality of the easy things.

Given your experiences in the Super League and with teams at different levels, what are the key elements you intend to bring to your new position as head coach?

Different experiences have taught me that there is no single path, no recipe that is right for any team or player. The higher the level, the more a technical base is needed to serve tactics. I would like to be able to work on this aspect, looking for a game system that enhances the qualities of individuals. To do this I will draw from the toolbox that the coaches and players I have worked with have contributed to increasing.