The last international break of the year benefited Mattia Croci-Torti’s team a lot. Having recharged both their physical and mental batteries, the Bianconeri displayed an almost suffocating intensity this weekend. An intensity capable of causing more than one headache for the now former leaders of the Swiss top league, Zurich. Lugano is therefore in form and intends to make up for Backa’s setback (4-1 result in favor of Topola) so as to put a serious threat on staying in the third top continental tournament. However, the possibility of directly purchasing a ticket for the next round is not yet precluded, although Thursday’s commitment complicates the task. Gent are in fact a difficult team and their records against the Belgian teams are no longer encouraging. «Last year we lost four times out of four, including friendlies. We hadn’t even managed to get the better of our rivals of the day. Let’s hope that it is finally time to interrupt this streak and gain fundamental points for qualification. This match is of vital importance.”
Founded in 1900, Gent is a historic club, so much so that its record includes a national title, four Belgian Cups and a Belgian Super Cup. Over the course of history it has also launched numerous talents, such as the former Neapolitan player Kalidou Koulibaly. They currently occupy sixth place in the Pro League, but last weekend they suffered a real beating from Anderlecht. In the special Conference standings, on the other hand, they boast the same points as Lugano, but a slightly lower goal difference, synonymous with ‘only’ two boxes less than the Juventus ranks. Gent adopts a vertical style of play, demonstrating a rather fearsome defensive solidity and scoring ability. It is also worth paying attention to midfielder Sven Kums, a beacon of the Belgian game who stands out for his ability to dictate the team’s tempo. Despite his age, he remains one of the undisputed leaders of the squad, as does Stefan Mitrovic (central figure in defense, especially in the aerial phase). The name of the Swiss U21 international Franck Surdez also appears among the ranks of Gent.
The Juventus coach therefore underlined the importance of maintaining high concentration and making the most of the field factor, counting on the support (which this time is presumed to be numerous at the Stockhorn Arena, also thanks to the presence of the Buffalo’s) of the Juventus fans. «After the two defeats suffered close to the international break, it was important to react immediately. And, doing it against a tough opponent like Zurich, who were top of the table, was a great sign. A very important clash at the top, especially from a mental point of view. Now we come to this challenge ready to face a team that, on paper, was perhaps the strongest we had to face in the group. They have a lot of good players and they will definitely give us a hard time.” The Momo will not be able to count on Hajdari, on the rediscovered Bottani – both disqualified – and even less on the injured Aliseda while the presence of Saipi, who suffered a slight sprain of his ankle this weekend, remains in doubt. Milton Valenzuela, however, is on the road to recovery: «Physically I feel very good. I played 80 minutes against Young Boys and 30 in the last match. I’m slowly finding my football rhythm again and I feel like I’m growing. It will be a very tough match, one of the most difficult in our group. As the coach said, we have never managed to win against a Belgian team. It will be a great challenge for all of us, and we want to demonstrate our value.”
St. Gallen, there is the fearsome Backa Topola
A few minutes before dinner time, San Gallo will try to continue on the wave of enthusiasm. A wave of enthusiasm arose from the success achieved on the last day of the Conference at Larne. Yes, because a second victory in this competition would allow us to get closer (at least) to a place in the playoffs. The green and whites can count on a defense that has only scored three goals in the last four games, but Backa Topola is a tough team. Just ask the Croci-Torti troop, who bowed 4-1 to the Serbian team. And, therefore, which still has realistic hopes of gaining access to the next phase of the tournament.
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