Reggina boss Davide Dionigi sees tomorrow’s Coppa Italia clash with Milan as “a reward for all our hard work” in reaching the Last 16.
Reggina boss Davide Dionigi sees tomorrow’s Coppa Italia clash with Milan as “a reward for all our hard work” in reaching the Last 16.
They are one of only two Serie B sides left in the tournament, the other being Hellas Verona, and visit San Siro on Thursday evening.
“It will be a very emotional moment stepping out into San Siro,” said the Coach and former Rossoneri player.
“It is gratifying and a reward for all our hard work done so far. However, let it be clear it represents nothing else. Our future is tied to the Serie B campaign.
“The Coppa Italia is a prestigious shop window and motivation to bring out more energy. It is like a little dream, even for me.
“I simply told the lads that I want to see them express our idea of football, regardless of who the opponent is. Tomorrow I’ll have the chance to shake hands with a great Coach like Massimiliano Allegri, so it’ll be a wonderful night regardless of the result.”
Having said that, Dionigi is no stranger to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, as he was owned by Milan from 1992 to 1997, even if he spent most of it out on loan.
“I have marvellous memories of my experience with the Rossoneri. It was Fabio Capello’s Milan and I was a kid who had the chance to train with champions like Marco Van Basten, Dejan Savicevic and Ruud Gullit.
“Obviously I had no chance of playing, but I featured in a few prestigious friendlies and was on the bench for the European Cup. I still have within me that ‘Milan style’ of absolute professionalism.”