Friendlies: second clash with Saint Lucia tomorrow, chasing victory

It is the eve of the second Caribbean clash with Saint Lucia for those writing from San Marino’s national team camp. Back in the Republic, though, it is already match day: the rematch, following last Thursday’s 1-1 draw, will be broadcast in Italy and San Marino on San Marino RTV’s multimedia platforms from 21:00 Italian time. The upcoming game promises to be just as demanding, as Head Coach Costantini confirms: "We are certainly expecting a difficult match, especially in light of Thursday’s performance. The local media were anticipating a much simpler game for Saint Lucia, but I think they were surprised by what they saw. If there is one team that can feel aggrieved by the draw, it is us. We created many chances that we failed to take, then Lazzari’s goal spared us a truly harsh outcome. I am sure – continues Costantini – that Saint Lucia will look to play aggressively right from the start, trying to make it a physical battle. That is exactly what caused us the most problems in the first half-hour on Thursday. Then we adjusted to the opponents and the pitch and things went much better, finding solutions that put them under pressure and allowed us to get shots away regularly". Are there changes in store for the second outing? "I’ve spoken to all the lads; the national team is a different kind of side, where the word ‘newcomer’ perhaps does not quite fit. Today we can count on a group of twenty-six players who are all equally important and decisive – as shown by those who came on during Thursday’s match and managed to change the game. We will certainly make a few changes to the starting line-up: whoever goes on the pitch will have to do their duty for as long as they are out there, whether that is from the start or coming off the bench. That must always be the standard". Among the standout performers in the first friendly was Michele Cevoli. The Juvenes-Dogana captain is rallying the Titans: "We want to play on the front foot, do better than last time and cut out mistakes, with the clear objective of winning. The pressure we put on them in the closing stages of the last game paid off; we pinned them back in their own half. At the end of the day they are human too and they can make mistakes". Could a defender be decisive in front of goal? "It’s been a while since a defender has scored; let’s hope someone does it tomorrow – whether it’s me or not. The important thing is that the net bulges. We feel good; we are a group that enjoys being together, laughing and joking. But when it’s time to work, we keep our heads down and give absolutely everything. We’ve been here a lot of days, but the understanding that has grown within the squad has made the time fly by".

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