Serie BKT 2026/27 | Head Coach Marco Baroni's comments ahead of #VeronaPisa

Verona - The statements made by Gialloblù head coach Marco Baroni two days before Hellas Verona-Pisa, the matchday 8 fixture of the 2026/27 Serie BKT season, scheduled for Sunday, 25 October at 5.15PM at the Bentegodi Stadium.

We are facing a clash between two teams recently relegated to Serie B. How do you approach a game like this, considering that the results so far have fallen short of what the team could have achieved? “Pisa have improved, although we knew they were a solid team. They had some difficulties at the start, but they are now showing their true worth. As for us, we need to focus on what we can do, while respecting an opponent with quality both individually and collectively. We need to give something extra, because what we have done so far is not enough, even though the team is gradually developing an identity. The statistics regarding shots conceded and goals conceded are rather unusual, but we all need to work together to develop the mentality, determination, cohesion and, above all, the focus required to make sure that things start going our way rather than working against us, as happened against Catanzaro.”

After the match against Modena, you spoke about difficult moments. How did you experience the days following the draw against Catanzaro, which felt like a defeat given the way it unfolded? “Clearly, the result matters in a match, but I saw many aspects of our performance against Catanzaro that we can build on to establish some certainties. At the same time, certain incidents are clearly going against us at the moment. That means what we are doing is not enough and we need to add something more. However, the team is working with great enthusiasm, commitment and dedication. That gives me and my staff tremendous confidence.”

Can you give us an update on the injury situation? “This week, Dawidowicz experienced some adductor tightness and stopped for a couple of days as a precaution. Suslov also had a minor issue, but he returned to training today. Frese is making progress, while Ekuban has completed a full week of training. He is ready, although he is not yet able to play the full 90 minutes. Bradaric and Serdar are continuing their recovery programmes and will need a few more weeks.”

Verona are among the teams that have conceded the most goals, despite allowing relatively few shots. Do you think bad luck, individual mistakes or a lack of composure among the defenders and goalkeepers may also be factors, perhaps partly linked to last season? “I am not a coach who likes to talk about luck. We must prevent this from becoming an obsession and continue working as we have been, with even greater attention to detail. In our last three matches, we have made some avoidable mistakes, including the sending-off for a double handball. These are situations we need to address. The most important thing for me is that the team does not lose confidence. Some players are making significant progress, and we need to keep building on what is working while paying close attention to the areas that need correcting.”

Verona create chances but are not converting as many as they could. Against Pisa, who will probably leave less space than Catanzaro did, have you worked on specific aspects to improve the team's finishing? “I am used to assessing a team's ability to create chances, because that is where the possibility of scoring comes from. At the moment, the team is also growing in confidence and managing to create plenty of attacking opportunities. We need to improve our attention to detail in the build-up to the final pass and our finishing, but this is a process. I am convinced that if we continue to create chances, the team will develop greater confidence and composure in front of goal.”

After the recent matches, will you continue to back Perilli, or could it be time for Leali to return? “This is an issue I have already addressed, and I want to make one thing clear: this is absolutely not a rejection of the player. I did not want to penalise him, but we have started a process that we discussed with goalkeeping coaches Cataldi and Castiglioni as well. I believe both goalkeepers can benefit from it. Obviously, the player is not happy with the situation, but it represents an opportunity for growth. As I have already said, to compete at a high level, you have to do something extraordinary; doing the ordinary is not enough. We all need to work towards that standard, including me and my staff. That is what I ask of my players.”

The match against Pisa will be the first of three games in a week, with a midweek fixture on Wednesday. Considering the injuries as well, how important will it be to manage the players' energy levels and approach this run of matches effectively? “Every match is an important test. We work hard throughout the week precisely to be ready for these occasions. Having three games in a few days should be a source of motivation: there will be less training and more matches, but I am used to taking one game at a time. Right now, our focus is on Pisa, a very well-organised and solid team.”

How important is it to play at the Bentegodi for the second consecutive time? Verona have collected more points at home than away so far. How much of a difference can the support of the fans make as you look to regain consistency? “The affection shown by our fans is extraordinary and must be a great source of motivation. In front of our supporters, who come to the stadium in large numbers, we have to give everything we have. Against Catanzaro, we played an outstanding first half in every respect, including the tempo. The team did not drop off in the second half, but maintaining that intensity for 90 minutes is difficult. We need to manage our energy better throughout the match. We had a clear strategy based on aggression and the determination to impose our tempo from the outset. That is an approach we must maintain, because the team deserves it for the work it puts in, and so do our fans, who are always behind us. The supporters' frustration is entirely understandable, but we must do everything possible to start achieving important results again, especially at home.”

Who are the team's leaders today, both on and off the pitch? “I believe the first leader should be our playing identity. The team needs to recognise itself in the work we do and in what we prepare every day. Within the group, there are also players who, as I have learned throughout my career as both a coach and a player, are quiet leaders. They do not need to say much: they show their leadership through their attitude, their expression, the way they help their teammates and their dedication. It is important for the team to recognise the value of these players, but the fundamental thing is to have a clear playing philosophy and a solid structure, building a strong identity. That is essential if we want to compete at a high level.”

Looking at individual players, Sarr has already scored several goals this season, while Livramento, excluding his appearances for the Cape Verde national team, has not scored for a club in two years. How do you work on improving finishing? “Livramento is making tremendous progress and has already provided two important assists. He needs to reach optimal physical condition, and he is getting there. I have faith in him because he is a player full of energy, and that quality is clear to see and useful to the team. We need to keep going in this direction: I am convinced that other players will also find the back of the net. We are pleased with Daniel, who is doing a very good job as a striker, but he also receives a lot of balls and has several opportunities to score thanks to the way we build our attacks and get players into the box. We need to involve our central midfielders and wide players more as well. I am very confident about this aspect.”

How is Suslov doing? “He is doing well and has recovered from the muscle problem he brought back from international duty. During the week, he experienced some minor discomfort, which we managed by giving him a couple of days of rest as a precaution. He is regaining his fitness and cares deeply about the team, the people who brought him here and the city. I am confident that, by working together, he can rediscover his best form: the player I knew in the past, capable of performing very well, scoring goals and providing assists.”