National Team: Costantini previews his debut, between confirmations and returns

At 20:45 tomorrow evening a new era under Fabrizio Costantini will get under way. The former Under-21 National Team coach spoke in a press conference ahead of his debut, which will see the senior National Team take on Lithuania in a friendly at the San Marino Stadium. And inevitably, among the various topics raised in the pre‑match conversation with the media, the emotional side also came to the fore. “I believe – in fact I am certain – that coaching your country’s National Team is every coach’s dream,” admitted the head coach. “I’m no exception; if anything, saying that I’m excited doesn’t quite cover it. I’m trying to pass this feeling on to the lads, although they don’t really need it. We’ve met over the last few days and I’ve found them focused, concentrated and eager to get out on the pitch. I’m sorry about the players left out, the many injuries, and Dante Rossi’s suspension. But I’m convinced that those who are there tomorrow will have the right mentality and humility to produce something positive. We know we won’t be able to dominate the game, but it will be crucial to defend well and then break forward. That’s what we’ve been working on. The rest will come from our spirit and, I hope, the backing of the crowd.” Sitting next to the coach at the press conference table was a national team veteran who has nevertheless been absent for some years. That is why for Danilo Rinaldi – one goal and 39 caps in the white and blue shirt – tomorrow will also be a special occasion. “I’ve got a huge desire to be back on the pitch with this team,” stressed the La Fiorita forward. “After four years away it couldn’t be any other way. I’m happy to be here. Unfortunately, we haven’t had much chance to prepare properly for this match, given the complications of the pandemic and the busy club schedule in recent weeks. But this has also allowed us to build up a good match rhythm in our legs. So we’re coming into this friendly in good shape.” Danilo was on the pitch in Vilnius in September 2015, when Lithuania cancelled out Vitaioli’s goal for 1–1 with a stoppage‑time winner. “I remember that match well. It teaches us that if we manage to push up into their half, we have the weapons to hurt Lithuania. But we also need to stay calm: we have to play with humility and discipline, as the coach says. And of course with our usual fighting spirit.” The right attitude is also high on the coach’s wishlist: “Unfortunately we have had little time to work together with these lads. But I have always seen the right mindset. We’ve done well in training and tomorrow we will have to show just how much this shirt and this country mean to us. Tactically, there is not much to invent. Instead, we will rely on maximum concentration and on our best qualities. In training I’ve sometimes had to rein the players in for fear that they might overdo it. Tomorrow, though, they can overdo it – meaning they can give everything, absolutely everything they’ve got.” Danilo Rinaldi is not the only name on the list of players being welcomed back: it also includes Maicol Berretti, Aldo Simoncini and Mattia Stefanelli. There is a first call‑up for Simone Franciosi, while Jacopo Raschi, previously called up, is targeting his first appearance on the pitch. Dante Rossi is absent through suspension. And speaking of appearances, Matteo Vitaioli continues his pursuit of record‑holder Andy Selva, who is currently just two caps ahead of the Tropical Coriano forward. These are the players called up for San Marino v Lithuania (kick‑off at 20:45, live in San Marino on RTV Sport and at www.sanmarinortv.sm):

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