#VeronaRovereto | Head coach Marco Baroni’s post-match comments

Folgaria – Head coach Marco Baroni spoke after Hellas Verona-Rovereto, the Gialloblù’s first friendly of the #Folgaria2026 training camp.

What did you like most and what did you like least? “The first and second halves were very different. I was pleased with the first half because I saw some of the things we have been working on. The team is tired, but the players showed commitment and dedication. Above all, they tried to achieve the objectives we have worked on over the past few days and that we had asked them to focus on before the match. For this reason, I consider the test very positive. I was slightly less pleased with the second half, when the younger players thought they could play on their own and rely on individual initiatives. We, however, have to build through our play. This team will score goals through its style of play: we must remain faithful to our footballing model and our identity. That is what we are working on. They are young and I understand them: they want to show what they can do, but in this case they went about it in the wrong way".

Would you like to say something about Osvaldo Bagnoli? “You all know very well that he was an incomparable man. Everything we could possibly say has already been left behind in the history and legend of this city and this Club. There are not enough words to thank someone like him, both as a coach, because he played wonderful football, especially considering the era in which he did so, and as a man".

Is one of the difficulties at the moment working with several players who have played in Serie A but still do not know whether they will remain at the Club? “I believe we are all aware that we have to achieve something important. It is clear that the squad is not yet complete and that several players are still missing. However, I do not believe there will be many departures. Beyond that, my focus is on working. I look at the players I have available, not at those who may arrive. I am working with this group and we have to improve. We do not have much time, but time cannot be an excuse for a coach. We have to face this situation and work with great intensity. I have asked the team for commitment, dedication and belief: we have to believe in what we do every day and in every training session".

Leali took to the pitch wearing the captain’s armband today. Is this a permanent decision? Was it your choice? “You have touched on an important subject, so I would like to take this opportunity to clarify it for everyone. I had already spoken to the team about it: I want to take some more time before deciding who the captain will be. Personally, I prefer the captain not to be a goalkeeper, because I want it to be an outfield player. I therefore told the group that, during this initial phase and until an official decision is made, the two goalkeepers will wear the armband. I do not want to make the wrong choice because, for me, the captain is a very important figure. It does not necessarily have to be the oldest player or the one who has been here the longest, but someone who is a point of reference for the entire team and whose behaviour is exemplary, especially on a day-to-day basis".

The Club is also finalising the composition of the coaching staff. Yesterday, Gianni Vio, a professional with international experience, was alongside you. Will he remain with the team throughout the season or will he only lead specific training sessions? “Gianni Vio is a friend with whom I worked many years ago. We have always remained in contact and he is a great specialist in set pieces. Last season, he had already worked with the Club for three or four months in this area. I therefore felt it was entirely consistent to continue the work he had already begun. The Club gave me this opportunity and I am pleased because, as well as being a friend, he is an excellent professional. He can be very useful to us because set pieces are important and represent an area from which the team can gain greater value. He will not be with us only occasionally, but will lead a number of training sessions specifically dedicated to set pieces".