Renato Copparoni, former goalkeeper of both teams, sides with the rossoblù. “I always support the grenades too, but this time they don’t need the three points so much”
CAGLIARI. Double ex but with a Sardinian and red and blue heart. Renato Copparoni, 69, goalkeeper in Serie A in Cagliari and Turin who will face each other at night on Monday at Unipol Domus, hopes the rossoblù will win. A success that can give the right push to get back on top. «I always support the grenades too, but this time I would say that they don’t need the three points so much while for Cagliari they are fundamental. So let’s hope the rossoblù win ».
Mazzarri’s team struggled a lot and only this series of three consecutive draws allowed them to leave the last place. «Let’s say that Cagliari players lack a bit of courage – Copparoni replies -. They are often seized with fear, as happened against Venice and Salernitana: two matches which have now been won and which have instead ended up 1-1: the 4 points more would make the situation less difficult. Instead, this is how you play with water in your throat ».
Is it the fault of the coach, the players, the club? Copparoni shares the responsibilities a bit. «Mazzarri sometimes made a mistake, like when he fielded only one striker like against Napoli or Fiorentina. In the era of the three points you must always play it, and not hope not to concede a goal and perhaps to score one that allows you to win ».
Speaking of goals, Cagliari has always conceded goals in the first 14 games, interrupting the series no with the 0-0 in Verona. In the past, an initial series like this had never happened. The record, with the tournament in progress, is even 24 consecutive games, in the 2016/17 tournament. But that team won a third of the races, eight. This one in 15 days has won only once. Copparoni nods. «For me it is essential that we always play in pursuit of victory and perhaps using the same game plan, to help the team perform at their best. Obviously, the fact of conceding so many goals also depends on a certain lack of filter in midfield and on the fact that we often lock ourselves in too much, allowing even non-exceptional teams to score goals ».
Market mistakes? Insufficient staff? «Well, certainly something is missing in midfield – observes Copparoni -. Injured Rog and lost on the Nainggolan market, we gave up a lot in strength and quality, since the two were not adequately replaced ».
A part of the supporters disputes Cragno, guilty of not being up to par and of committing so many mistakes. However, the former rossoblù number 1 has no doubts. “There is no question of someone like Cragno – he replies -. It is very strong. If I really have to make a clarification, let’s say that he suffered a psychological backlash from the failure to call up the Europeans. It is clear that he too is involved in this negative moment: when the rest of the team is insecure, it is obvious that the goalkeeper is affected ».
Monday Cagliari-Turin. Copparoni will not be at the stadium. «I train the kids of San Gavino. A mission but also a pleasure. It will be very hard for Cagliari, Juric’s teams don’t give anything away. But I bet on the rossoblù success. Fingers crossed”.