Roberto D’Aversa addressed the media ahead of Empoli’s crucial Serie A match against Bologna, offering insights into the team’s preparation and mindset.
“We are facing a strong team with the enthusiasm of a historic Champions League victory,” D’Aversa said. “We’ll need an intense Empoli that takes the field conceding as little as possible. Bologna is performing better than last season, and against teams of this level, the margin for error must be minimal.”
The coach acknowledged the team’s recent struggles: “If performances previously brought results, that’s not happening now. There’s only one medicine to start winning again in front of our fans: work. Together, we can achieve salvation.”
Discussing player fitness, D’Aversa provided updates on several key players: “Zurkowski has returned after eight months and needs consistent training to be match-ready. Ebuehi has only done two training sessions and is currently injured. Anjorin has trained with the group in the last two days but is still to be evaluated, as are Cacace and Viti.”
Reflecting on the recent loss to Inter Milan, he noted: “There’s regret for the third goal we conceded, because we had managed to get back into the game. Despite the emergency, I believe the team performed well, without conceding any incredible chances. In Serie A, individual players often make the difference, and Bologna has many important players.”
On tactical preparation for Bologna, D’Aversa emphasized: “We’re working to take care of every detail. Odgaard is good at attacking depth, and when he plays in a certain way, we must take the appropriate precautions. We’ll need an aggressive and compact performance, knowing that Bologna has players capable of one-on-one play and attacking space. Bologna is a team that makes you play poorly, and a complicated match awaits us.”
Regarding transfer market speculation, D’Aversa remained focused on his current squad: “I concentrate on the players I have available. The club knows what the team needs.”
