News Focus
- Marco Giampaolo confirms Jamie Vardy will start the crucial home fixture against Pisa on Saturday.
- The Cremonese boss calls the match a final chance to save their Serie A survival bid with three games remaining.
- Pisa visit the Stadio Giovanni Zini already confirmed as relegated, but Giampaolo warns against complacency.
- Midfielders Collocolo and Thorsby are back in the squad and available for selection.
- The manager demands character, resilience and fighting spirit regardless of tactical formation.
Marco Giampaolo has named Jamie Vardy in his starting eleven for Cremonese’s decisive Serie A encounter with Pisa this Saturday. The manager described the fixture as a do-or-die battle to keep the club’s top-flight dreams alive.
With just three matches left in the campaign, Cremonese sit in a dangerous position. Giampaolo made his expectations clear during his pre-match briefing with journalists. “We have to win. There is no other path,” he declared. The Italian coach stressed that these games carry greater weight than normal fixtures. “They are worth more than three points. We need character, self-respect and ferocity,” he added.
The former Sampdoria tactician addressed concerns about squad motivation following their recent defeat to Lazio. He rejected suggestions that his players lack drive. “An unmotivated player does not care about winning or losing. That is not our squad,” Giampaolo explained. He called for a response in terms of attitude and mental strength.
Despite Pisa arriving at the Stadio Giovanni Zini already condemned to relegation, Giampaolo warned his team not to expect an easy contest. “Nobody gives you anything for free in football,” he said. “Pisa will play their game properly. We must look deeper within ourselves and find our team spirit.”
The Cremonese chief also provided fitness updates. He confirmed that Collocolo and Thorsby have recovered and will be part of the matchday squad. Regarding tactical plans, Giampaolo remained flexible. He noted his side has operated with a back three in defence while changing shape when attacking. “The formation is a small detail,” he concluded. “You can win or lose with any system. The mentality matters most.”