Serie A Women Athora, Napoli-Como Women: the statements

On the team’s performance: “Overall, I’m happy with the performance of the entire team. There were aspects we had prepared that came through well, while others can and must be improved. We’ve come through ten challenging days, often training on icy pitches and dealing with logistical difficulties due to the cold. Despite this, I saw a team that was committed and applied themselves well. The attitude is definitely what I liked the most. What we can do better, beyond finishing, is be more clinical in front of goal: just as Napoli had their chances, we had ours too. We also need a bit more courage in managing the ball at certain moments in the game. If we don’t, we risk giving confidence to the opponents, when instead we have the technical qualities to control the game better.”

On the result: “It was a balanced draw, but given what happened on the pitch, it could have ended with goals. Both teams created chances and gave their all. I think it was a good-quality match: I rarely see two teams face each other with this intensity and desire to surpass one another. It was also a good spectacle.”

On the team’s development: “In the past year and a half, there has been huge growth, both from those who were already here and those who have joined. The group changes every season, but maintains a high moral standard, and that is what allows the players to perform at their best.”

On the team’s young players: “Last year Gilardi was part of Italy’s Under-23 squad, and this year she has already entered the selection pool for Coach Soncin. Today she was the absolute protagonist of the match, showing great personality between the posts and earning the MVP award. She is a promising player who can continue to develop in a category that is becoming increasingly competitive. I’m also pleased with Berisha’s performance, starting upfront today. Clearly, a striker lives for goals, but the work she did for the team was important and tangible.”