Nicolò Zaniolo and Marco Carnesecchi, two prominent players set to face off in the upcoming Supercoppa Italiana semifinal, shared their thoughts and strategies through exclusive interviews with the official channels of Lega Serie A. Both athletes emphasized the importance of preparation and the challenges posed by their rivals.
Speaking about the Inter team, Zaniolo noted, "With Carnesecchi, we met with the Primavera teams, it was really Inter versus Atalanta…" This reflects not only the connection between the players but also their experiences leading up to the significant match.
When asked which players he would choose to face off against, Zaniolo mentioned, "I say Bastoni… or Calhanoglu. For my luck, since I arrived in Serie A, Inter no longer has Icardi, it was something unmanageable from what I hear from those who faced him…" His comments underline the evolution within the teams and the relieved sentiment among players who have faced the former striker.
Continuing his analysis, Zaniolo elaborated on potential threats the Atalanta squad may face, particularly against explosive players. He asserted, "as a defender, I struggle more against explosive and fast players, compared to those who are taller but less explosive. So, I might struggle against defenders like Kalulu or someone with similar characteristics." This insight hints at the tactical adjustments defenders must adapt during high-stakes matches.
On the other side, goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi also provided his perspective, discussing the challenges of the Supercoppa. He expressed, "It’s not my first time here. We’re together all the time but we stay in separate rooms. If I hadn’t become a player, I think I would have remained in the sports field; I would have loved to dedicate myself to padel because it’s too beautiful!" His reflection emphasizes the camaraderie within the team as they prepare for intense encounters.
When asked which player he would remove from each team, Carnesecchi responded honestly, "From Inter, I would take away Bastoni or Calhanoglu; I would also remove Leao or Theo from Milan, but even Maignan. At Juventus right now, I would take away Thuram, the best of them all." This strategic insight showcases the depth of the competition and the players' respect for their rivals.
Regarding his experiences facing formidable attackers, he disclosed, "Fortunately, when I arrived at Serie A, Icardi was no longer around, everyone tells me how unmanageable he was inside the penalty area." His statements provide valuable reflections on the pressures defenders and goalkeepers face against elite forwards.
Carnesecchi didn't shy away from discussing adversity either, reflecting on how injuries can affect players. "A moment of despair? I also think about the serious injuries Nicolò has had; we have definitely had them. I also recall when I suffered a shoulder injury; at night, you think about it just a bit more." This vulnerability highlights the human aspect of sport, where mental and physical hurdles often shape athletes' careers.
Both players are preparing to battle on the pitch, where strategy, resilience, and perhaps a little luck will play key roles. The clash between Atalanta and Inter promises not only to be entertaining but also pivotal for both teams as they vie for supremacy at the Supercoppa Italiana. Fans across the nation are eagerly anticipating this exciting matchup, ready to witness who will advance to the final under the bright lights of Riyadh.