National Team, Cevoli and Nanni in unison: "Against Albania, a change of mindset"

On the eve of San Marino v Albania, a match valid for Matchday 2 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, Roberto Cevoli and Nicola Nanni – respectively head coach and forward of the San Marino National Team – spoke at the pre-match press conference.

“While fully recognising Albania’s outstanding qualities – they are undoubtedly a very strong and well-drilled side – I would like to see a courageous San Marino, as we were until not long ago, before the game against Finland. From my point of view,” continues Roberto Cevoli, “on Saturday we were not brave enough in trying to put into practice what we work on in training. So I hope and expect to see again the team I know tomorrow evening.” Alessandro Golinucci will definitely miss out after his red card against Finland. Beyond the issue of suspensions, inevitably – for San Marino as for all other national teams at this time – centre stage is taken by the theme of managing physical and mental resources. “It is no coincidence that we have widened the pool of players involved with the National Team, calling up a few more lads who will certainly be useful to the cause. Four matches in ten days inevitably need to be managed, because it is unrealistic for anyone to field the same eleven players in so many games in such quick succession. I must add, however, that thanks to the projects launched by the FSGC almost all our players are now playing and training at a fairly high level and – compared to the past – we can consider ourselves to have a few more advantages, as well as being able to count on players who are better prepared physically and athletically. Picking up on what Nicola (Nanni, ed.) mentioned, I agree that beyond the strictly physical-athletic aspect, the mental side is also extremely important: I believe it is primarily in the head that the level of fatigue is determined, and if we are focused and convinced from a mental point of view, I don’t think any of my players will have a problem being involved even in four matches. Conversely, if we suffer mentally as well, everything becomes much more difficult.”

Nicola Nanni also focuses on the mental side, which is exactly where he starts his reflections: “Compared to the match two days ago, a lot will have to come from the mental side if we are to raise our level on the pitch compared to what we showed against Finland. Even though we are facing a team of unquestionable stature and obvious quality, it is equally true that we can do many things differently – and, I believe, better – than last Saturday. As for the energy spent, there is not much to say – it is a fact. The schedule is packed and there are many games in a short space of time. At the same time, this huge effort we are being asked to make can be managed positively regardless of whether you are a professional footballer or not. It all depends on how you approach it: here with the National Team, in San Marino, absolutely nothing is missing for us to succeed and we have all the tools to recover in the best possible way. It is undoubtedly a major hurdle, but we must bring enthusiasm and the desire to go out on the pitch, basing our performance on the mental aspect and the competitive hunger that must carry us beyond the inevitable physical fatigue. I am confident that with the right attitude, our desire to test ourselves at this level and in these fixtures will outweigh the physical tiredness we will have to face.”

The squad lists ahead of San Marino-Albania fixture can be found below.