“What matters is the pitch”: Zanetti prepares Hellas Verona for Inter match

Ahead of the much-anticipated match between Hellas Verona and Inter Milan, coach Paolo Zanetti addressed the media in a press conference, focusing on various aspects of the upcoming game. The match is set to take place at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi, and it comes after a series of controversies surrounding officiating in Serie A.

Zanetti was questioned about the appointment of referee Colombo from Como, especially in light of recent disputes over officiating decisions, including those from Inter’s match against Napoli and a previous encounter between Verona and Inter. He stated, “I was not the coach of Hellas at that time, but I remember that heavy episode well. Now it is part of the past, and I do not want to emphasize it. Regarding our position, we should not be concerned about the age, origin, or experience of the referee; we must give our best, and I am sure the referee will do the same in such an important match for both teams. We absolutely must not have any second thoughts or other discussions; what matters is the field, and this applies to everyone. The match will tell us what will happen.”

As he looked ahead to the game, Zanetti emphasized the need for his team to rediscover their best form. He noted that the squad had only reunited fully just a day prior to the press conference and expressed concern over losing key player Ondrej Duda due to injury. “Today’s training will be crucial, but we want to put on a great performance,” he remarked.

Zanetti acknowledged Inter’s strengths, saying, “If we think about them, they have strengths in all areas of the field, and we risk becoming too defensive. I want us to play our game at home; Inter is among the four strongest teams in Europe. It is clear we will make tactical evaluations, but we do not want to be spectators in this match. We aim to challenge even a great team like Inter.”