Nicola Legrottaglie, now technical director of Sampdoria, when he was a defender for Catania he played a two-block match (scoring) against Roma, which at the time was interrupted due to bad weather and ended 1-1. It was 2012 and the result did not change in the remaining 25 minutes.
Udinese-Roma, there is no time to waste: at 8pm the last 18’30” of the match suspended due to Ndicka’s illness
How do you prepare for 18 minutes plus recovery?
«It’s as if it were a pre-race warm-up, but it must be very effective. They have to get to 18 minutes at high yield. Push and sprint a lot.”
What changes in the pre-match?
«Athletically the players must prepare differently compared to the 90 minutes. They must arrive with the fuel needed to make you perform at high speed.”
Furthermore, there is the need to score goals to recover in the standings
«I wouldn’t play with too many attackers. It all depends on the attitude which must be balanced, but at the same time unscrupulous. Press high, go into their half of the pitch, apply pressure and create scoring opportunities. Try to stay as close to the door. 18 minutes are really short, which is why I would reevaluate the rule.”
Come?
«What’s the point of recovering 18 minutes? Let’s recover the whole game, I would play it again from the beginning. Something serious happened, you stopped the match and you’re doing it again.”
If someone was winning at the time, they might object.
“It must be a rule for everyone regardless of the result.”
Speaking of rules, what idea did you have of the recovery on April 25th?
«The Italian clubs must be understood. The League must use common sense when making these programs. The clubs that participate in European competitions must be protected and benefited. Maybe even change the schedule during the year. In life there is not only the rule, there is that, but there is also common sense.”
Udinese, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen: can a footballer really think game by game?
«You think about the most important commitment, but it is stimulating. The more games you have, the more you want to achieve the objectives. Now that you are close to the finish line you need to be encouraged to cross it. If you don’t win it’s because there are other reasons too, not just because they can’t do it.”
How do you rate De Rossi’s work?
«I’m happy for him, it’s something he wanted so much. I also know his father and I played against him with the Primavera, they are serious and decent people. He is a fairy tale, a Roma supporter, a captain who becomes a coach. His hand was seen. I hope I can continue his dream.”
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