Torino Coach Giampiero Ventura has underlined the importance of his side’s encounter against fellow newly promoted side Pescara on Saturday.
Torino Coach Giampiero Ventura has underlined the importance of his side’s encounter against fellow newly promoted side Pescara on Saturday.
“Tomorrow’s game with Pescara will already be decisive,” asserted the 64-year-old tactician. “If we do not win we will be putting distance between ourselves and safety, and if you lose to another promoted side we are talking about failure already.”
The former Napoli boss was discreet about his line-up for the second round of Serie A, instead claiming it is almost impossible to select a team without seeing the opposing starting XI.
“I already said this before the game with Siena – I will not know my own line-up until I see that of the opposing team on the day.”
A scoreless draw with the Tuscan outfit was a favourable result in Ventura’s book, but underestimating Giovanni Stroppa’s team could lead to their own downfall.
“It is true the fans expect us to win against Pescara as they have lost key players and we are on a very similar level to ourselves last season in Serie B.
“I expect Stroppa to motivate his players very well and they will be prepared and keen to beat us after the defeat to Inter, but underestimating them could prove costly.”
The former Sampdoria youth teamer also commented on new signings Alessio Cerci and Mario Santana, brought in from Fiorentina and Napoli respectively.
“Cerci just arrived and is still trying to understand what we do here, to learn the names of his teammates, and find his peak physical condition. He would be ready to play but is still not fully integrated into the squad.
“Santana missed two or three key training sessions and so is behind everybody else in that department, but is recovering and desperate to play. We will gradually get him into things.”
Ventura’s final words were on Torino’s transfer dealings, with today the very final day of the summer window.
“As I have said previously I do not speak much about the market, even when it is closed. All the times I have spoken it has only ever led to trouble. I will only confirm deals when they are official.”