Serie BKT 2026/27 | Coach Marco Baroni’s pre-match comments ahead of #VeronaCatanzaro
Verona - The statements made by Gialloblù coach Marco Baroni on the eve of Hellas Verona-Catanzaro, a match in the 7th round of Serie BKT 2026/27, scheduled for Friday, 16 October at 8:30 PM at the Bentegodi Stadium.
Coach, following the defeat against Modena, an immediate reaction is needed. How do you get back on track against a tough opponent like Catanzaro, who are also going through a difficult period? “The data is not discouraging, but it is clear that we do not like losing and that we have suffered too many defeats. We absolutely have to change direction, and we are aware of that. We go into this match with great belief and determination because a difficult game awaits us against a tough opponent who does not deserve to be in their current league position and have quality players, especially in attack. We are aware of the challenges and will have to approach the game in the best possible way, with great determination and conviction.”
How did you discuss the performance against Modena with the players? For a whole half, Verona clearly struggled against their opponents and seemed to be at the mercy of a strong team for long periods. The team also appeared to be struggling physically. “It is not a physical issue. In the second half, we did not run well and tried to manage our lead, which is something the team must not do. In the first half, however, we had more shots on goal than Modena. We know we cannot have these ups and downs: we need to find consistency throughout each match and over the course of the season. We know what our problems are, we have addressed them and we are working hard to try to get out of this situation.”
At the start of the season, you outlined a project in which you strongly believed. Are you still determined to see it through? “I am even more determined now. I am fiercely determined and absolutely convinced by this project. I knew we would face difficulties, as I have already explained to you: these are difficulties linked to such a profound process of building and renewal as the one we have undertaken. There are certainly aspects we need to correct quickly, but there are also things that are working within the team.”
Are you concerned about the current situation? “No, I am not concerned, because in football a coach has to believe in what he is doing. I do, and I try to pass that belief on to the team. I have been through some difficult days, during which I felt a great deal of pain. All I would need to do is lift my head and look again at the fans who were at the stadium to understand just how strong that feeling was, and how much it affected the team as well. That is why we have to react with a clear head, through a performance built on great sacrifice, commitment and dedication.”
I looked at the data on goals conceded. Compared with the top two teams in the standings and Catanzaro themselves, Verona allow fewer shots but concede more goals. I also analysed the data on tackles and duels won: even compared with Catanzaro, who are near the bottom of the table, Verona often come out worse. Beyond individual errors, own goals and bad luck, is this one of the problems holding the team back? “Absolutely. At the moment, if we look at shots on target, we concede 40% fewer than Palermo; in terms of total shots, the figure is 25% lower. Palermo are the benchmark, the team looking to dominate the league. We concede two shots for every goal we let in, and that is a figure we need to change. When I talk about the need to adapt to this league, this is part of what I mean. In the first half against Modena, we were awarded zero free kicks. That does not mean Modena did not commit any fouls, but they came here and played with great intensity. The refereeing approach is different nowadays: more is allowed to go, and I completely agree with that. However, when that happens, you have to be mentally ready, determined and aggressive in your competitive approach. You have to put your body on the line and go into every challenge with intensity.”
Is it also a question of the players’ characteristics? “Definitely, but I am the one who takes them onto the pitch. We tend to be a technically clean team, but we have to learn to get stuck in. The team knows that, and that is our first objective.”
Suslov is also among the unavailable players, having returned from international duty with a muscle problem. Considering the transfer-market situation that was discussed at length, he was also a player who still needed to find his focus. Has he done so now? “Suslov returned from international duty with this muscle problem, and he is recovering from it. I am waiting for him back on the pitch, because that is where we all need to come together again. In football, we can talk endlessly, but then there is one wonderful thing: the pitch. That is where we have to wait for everyone, myself included.”
Your choice of goalkeeper against Modena came as a surprise to everyone. Will you stick with Perilli tomorrow evening, or will Leali return, having been the first choice so far? “I will assess the situation. Choosing Perilli was absolutely not a rejection of Leali.”
With Edmundsson unavailable, Slotsager and Calabrese are competing for a starting place in defence. Will you stick with Le Borgne and Iannoni in midfield? Could the choice be between Lella and Bernede? And will you continue to back the front three you fielded against Modena? “As I said earlier, it is not a question of doubts: I want to take some more time to assess things. I want to observe the players even as they get off the team bus before arriving at the stadium, because at this moment what we need is not so much about technical and tactical aspects as it is about attitude, body language and the look in their eyes. I have explained to the team what we need, and I want to see it on the pitch. I need to find those answers: anyone who does not show the right attitude will be left out.”
I would like to return to Edmundsson. Given the difficulties he has been experiencing, what is happening? Is it a question of the formation, does he have other things on his mind, or is it a matter of adapting? “We have analysed the situation together as well. He returned from international duty, where he played three matches. International commitments take away energy, training time and many other things. When I talk about adaptation, I am referring to adapting to the role as well as to other aspects. Last season, Verona often played very deep; this year, the players have to cover a lot of ground and also work defensively. That is what Verona have to do. Every team brings maximum intensity to the pitch, and we cannot shy away from that requirement, either at home or away. Tomorrow we will face a team with considerable quality that is very much in the fight. We must not look at the league table: if we are not at our best as well, things will become difficult.”
Do you already have an idea of the recovery timelines for Bradaric, Serdar and Suslov? “I believe Suslov could return to training with the team next week. We hope that will be the case; otherwise, he could start working individually on the pitch before gradually moving closer to a return in time for the match. Bradaric, on the other hand, has suffered a significant sprain and should be out for three to four weeks. Serdar’s recovery time should be similar, approximately.”
There has been a recurring pattern in the three defeats: a talented player makes the difference down the wing with his individual qualities and then decides the outcome. Is your team missing a player of that kind? “I am not used to looking at what we are missing, but rather at what I have available. I look for solutions through the players I have. We are working with these lads and, even though watching the game and the result can sometimes raise doubts, I see the commitment they bring to their work. That is what gives me confidence and makes me believe the team can find the right path.”
Could Mosquera be one of the keys to Verona getting back on track? “Yes, he has scored four goals in 100 minutes, but what I looked at above all was what he brought to the game. That is what matters to me. The lad had been out for a long time because of some physical problems, which he has now overcome. I now see a player who is eager, determined and confident, who wants to do well for Hellas and is 100% focused.”