Cagliari Coach Davide Lopez prepares for Lazio, but admits he couldn’t face former teammate Davide Astori’s funeral.
Their game with Lazio kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
When news came through that Fiorentina captain Astori had died, Lopez was one of the most badly-shaken, having played alongside him in Sardinia.
Cagliari Coach Davide Lopez prepares for Lazio, but admits he couldn’t face former teammate Davide Astori’s funeral.
Their game with Lazio kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
When news came through that Fiorentina captain Astori had died, Lopez was one of the most badly-shaken, having played alongside him in Sardinia.
“It’s really difficult for me to talk about this. I didn’t find the courage to go and say one last goodbye at the funeral,” confessed the Coach in today’s Press conference.
“I am not good at expressing what I feel inside or of living with all of this. There’s nothing more to say than we will always bring his memory with us.”
Cagliari have retired the Number 13 jersey worn by Astori, so Filippo Romagna has been given special dispensation to switch to Number 56 for the rest of the season.
“It becomes tough to talk about football over the last few days. We worked in training and tried to keep our minds on the field, despite everything. The lads did well to keep their concentration and it’ll be important to play as a team, making as few mistakes as possible.”
The last few days have been even more complicated for Cagliari, as forward Joao Pedro failed a doping test for a banned diuretic and risks a two-year ban.
“We are all close to him. I won’t talk about those who aren’t here, as I prefer to focus on those at my disposal. Cagliari are improving and know we must be a team from start to finish. I can guarantee Luca Ceppitelli, Nicolo Barella and Han Kwang-Song will start.
“I expect Lazio to come out strong, with quality players eager to take the initiative. Lazio have to be attacked and then we can hope for the perfect game.”