Spal make their first Serie A appearance in 50 years tonight against Lazio and Leonardo Semplici wants them to “be up to the task.”
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Marco Borriello and Bartosz Salamon only completed their moves from Cagliari yesterday, but are already included in the squad.
“There are big expectations and we want to prove we’re up to the task in this competition,” said Coach Semplici.
Spal make their first Serie A appearance in 50 years tonight against Lazio and Leonardo Semplici wants them to “be up to the task.”
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Marco Borriello and Bartosz Salamon only completed their moves from Cagliari yesterday, but are already included in the squad.
“There are big expectations and we want to prove we’re up to the task in this competition,” said Coach Semplici.
“We are relaxed, even though the squad is still under construction. Last season was anomalous, you’ll need more points to secure top flight safety and our objective is to reach 40 points.
“Many assume we’re doomed to relegation and, like last year when we won the Serie B title, we’ll try to prove the doubters wrong.”
It’s a tough start against a Lazio side that just beat Juventus 3-2 to lift the Italian Super Cup.
“Lazio have already shown they are in great shape, but we must face them without fear or excessive respect. Simone Inzaghi’s side have an extra gear on home turf and that’s what we must do, using the crowd of the Stadio Mazza as our 12th man.”
Spal squad for Lazio: Gomis, Marchegiani, Poluzzi; Cremonesi, Gasparetto, Oikonomou, Polvani, Salamon, Vaisanen, Vicari; Bellemo, Costa, Konate, Lazzari, Mattiello, Mora, Rizzo, Schiattarella, Schiavon, Viviani; Antenucci, Borriello, Floccari, Paloschi