National Team, Cevoli and Nanni in unison: “Against Albania we need a change of mentality”

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

“While fully recognising Albania’s great qualities – they are undoubtedly a very strong and well-prepared side – I would like to see a brave San Marino team, like we have been until recently, 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 tomorrow night the team I know.” There will definitely be no Alessandro Golinucci, sent off against Finland. Beyond the issue of cards, inevitably – for San Marino as for all other national teams at this time – the main topic is how to manage physical and mental resources. “Not by chance we have broadened the pool of players involved with the National Team, calling up a few extra lads who will certainly be useful to the cause. Four games in ten days inevitably have to be managed, because it is unthinkable for anyone to field the same eleven players in so many matches in quick succession. That said, I must add that thanks to the projects launched by the FSGC, almost all of our players are now playing and training at fairly high levels and – compared to the past – we can say we have a few more advantages, as well as being able to count on players who are better prepared physically and athletically. Picking up from what Nicola (Nanni, ed.) mentioned, I agree that beyond the strictly physical and athletic side, mentality is also extremely important: I believe that it is the mind, first and foremost, that determines the level of fatigue you feel and, if we are focused and convinced mentally, I don’t think any of my players will have a problem being involved in four games. Conversely, if we are struggling mentally as well, everything becomes much more difficult.”

Nicola Nanni also focuses on the mental side, which is exactly where he starts in his remarks: “Compared to the match two days ago, there is a lot that will need to come into play mentally in order for us to raise our level on the pitch compared to what we showed against Finland. Even though we are facing teams 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 we are spending, there is little to say – it’s a fact. The schedule is packed and there are many games in a short period of time. At the same time, this huge effort we are being asked to make can be approached positively, regardless of whether you are a professional footballer or not. It all depends on how you face it: here with the National Team, in San Marino, absolutely nothing is missing for us to succeed, and we have all the tools we need to recover in the best possible way. It is undoubtedly a significant hurdle, but on our side we must have enthusiasm and a desire to take to the pitch, basing our performance on mentality and competitive hunger, which must carry us beyond the fatigue that will naturally arise. I am confident that, with the right approach, our desire to test ourselves at this level and in these matches will outweigh the physical tiredness we will have to deal with.”