In a press conference ahead of Cagliari’s pivotal match against Lecce, head coach Davide Nicola addressed the importance of the game and reflected on the team’s current situation. With both teams battling to avoid relegation, the stakes are high.
Nicola stressed the significance of the match, saying, “It is an important game for both teams that have the same objective. It’s important to earn points, and we, like Lecce, want all three. We need to be hungry and attack with balance. Our fans can give us a great boost tomorrow.”
When asked if the recent draw against AC Milan at San Siro might lead to a drop in focus, Nicola dismissed the idea: “There is no risk; just look at the standings. With these points, we are third from last. This is a moment where we must fight in every match. It’s crucial to value each game without dwelling on the standings, which we will assess in April.”
Nicola also analyzed Lecce’s tactical evolution under coach Marco Giampaolo. He noted how their playing style has shifted since their first encounter earlier in the season: “Lecce was a different team in the first leg, set up tactically in a different way, using a 4-4-2 formation with Dorgu high on the right. They primarily played with two reference strikers. Today, this has changed somewhat; they are using a 4-3-3 formation, pushing Dorgu up and creating significant density when defending. They have altered some key players and now possess a different verticality and depth in attack.”
He went on to praise Lecce’s standout players, saying, “Krstovic is a focal point, and Tete Morente plays well as a second striker. They have various solutions.”
