Verona coach Marco Zaffaroni is celebrating a remarkable comeback to relegate Spezia and stay in Serie A. ‘There were moments when nobody believed in us.’
Hellas were in the bottom three for most of the campaign, but with the arrival of Zaffaroni in January to work alongside Salvatore Bocchetti, they started the fightback to climb up the standings.
Finishing level on points with Spezia, it went to a play-off, which Verona won 3-1 this evening thanks to Marco Davide Faraoni and a Cyril Ngonge brace.
“There is enormous satisfaction because we crown a wonderful comeback that started in January,” Zaffaroni told DAZN.
“The lads were exceptional, they always believed. There were moments when nobody believed in us, but we had the strength, patience and perseverance to keep going.”
Faraoni almost ruined everything when he punched the ball off the line for a penalty and red card, but Lorenzo Montipo rescued his men by parrying the M’Bala Nzola penalty.
Verona then held out with 10 men for 25 minutes and managed to keep that 3-1 result to the final whistle.
“Let’s just say all’s well that ends well. I assume Faraoni acted instinctively and just didn’t think at that moment. Montipo put in an exceptional performance.”
Zaffaroni was asked if he will remain on the Verona bench in Serie A next season.
“I don’t have the energy to think about that right now, we are all very tired.”