The vice coach’s derby: “The Old Wild West in Pistoia will have to be simply perfect”

CARLO FINETTI. Boniciolli’s right-hand man comes from Empoli “Tough opponents, but we know we can get back on top by ourselves”

the interview

Pistoia-Udine is the big match of the 19th day of A2, but for Carlo Finetti it also smells of derby. The assistant coach of APU, in fact, is from Siena and in his career he trained in Empoli. He is the one who leads us towards the match scheduled in his Tuscany, focusing the magnifying glass on the two teams leading the Green group.

Finetti, on Sunday he returns to his land. Feelings?

«I am very pleased to be back in Tuscany, in a field where I have played several times both with the youth teams and with the first team of Empoli. I have been away from home for a long time, and I must say that it is fascinating to return to play at PalaCarrara, a field that is always quite hot ».

How important are the two points up for grabs on Sunday?

«A lot, because it’s a direct confrontation. It would be hypocritical that it is a match like any other. We, Pistoia and Cantù are playing for primacy in the group. It is a challenge that will also weigh on us to understand where we are in our path, if we are solid in matches to play point-to-point away ».

What are Pistoia’s strengths?

«A very pronounced defensive solidity and the drive of many athletes who play for the shirt and for the city, having spent a long time in Pistoia or a long militancy in their nursery. I am thinking of Saccaggi, Della Rosa, Del Chiaro and Riismaa. Another strong point is the awareness of building one’s own basketball with the involvement of all the players ».

How does the APU arrive at this seasonal crossroads?

«We know that we have regained the chance to take back the first place after the slip in Biella thanks to two great defensive performances. The victories with Treviglio and Bakery give us confidence. To win in Pistoia, however, we cannot ignore 40 minutes of very high physicality and great concentration ». –