"We have to start off on the right foot. Even with a 1-0, like that time, against Como, when Riva scored his last goal."
Thus Claudio Ranieri, on the eve of Cagliari-Como, which marks his return to Sardinia after 32 years.
"I do this job for the emotions - he said in the press conference - it won't be a day like any other. The stadium full? I can't do it alone: important players, clubs and the public. Who should help: the players must be able to take risks feeling the affection of the public. You have to fight and believe it: the impossible does not exist".
Watch out for Como though, Ranieri rattles off statistics on an opponent who has been studying remotely in recent days: "He's not an easy customer - he said - in the last eight matches he has only lost against Reggina. It's the second team that creates the most chances to goals, he developed 131 counter-attacks: when we lose, we have to be very careful".
Ranieri immediately dropped into B: "I'm already in the game, the category doesn't count for me".
First impressions: "Positive - he continued - everyone wants to show off. It's clear that assimilating everything with a new coach is difficult, but I want to see at least two or three things on the pitch that I've beaten a lot in these days".
