Collecchio, 18 April 2024 - Fabio Pecchia pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Palermo, from the Mutti Training Center di Collecchio.

'They are all doing well, even from the last match they came out in good condition. It's a different week from the previous ones, they are all doing well. There are no suspensions or injuries. Everyone is in, someone may be out today and in the following Sunday. Choices are made based on who is in better shape, you should know me by now. We want to play to win, as we have always done, both at home and away We will play with enthusiasm and quality on the field. Then there are the opponents and the result. The goal remains the same. There are 5 games to go with 15 points at stake. Nothing is being calculated'.

PALERMO ANALYSIS

'They've changed the coach, they've changed the setup on the field. The squad, the quality, and the togetherness of the group remain the same. What I've thought since the beginning of the season remains intact, they are a strong team equipped for the top positions. It's a beautiful and stimulating environment, the opponent is stimulating, it's a beautiful game to play and where you have to want to take the field. I see a squad and a group, I've watched many Palermo games, they have values and we have experienced first-hand the strength of Palermo. This is the kind of game my players should all want to play because it will push us beyond our limits. We'll encounter a great atmosphere that will drive their team, and in front of us, we'll have a team of absolute respect. They are strong on the flanks with their wide players and fullbacks. Di Francesco has quality and he finds spaces. They have many solutions in midfield too, with Coulibaly and Segre. The team has a structure, they have strong and experienced players, and we have already faced teams with this type of setup.'

THE PRESENCE OF PRESIDENT KRAUSE AND THE DEFENSIVE WORK

'President Krause? I haven't heard from him but we'll see each other when he comes. We have a relationship but there was no contact before the match. Palermo will be a challenge. I won't talk about the league table, but they have technical and tactical skills to make it difficult for anyone. They have a mix of players with great experiene, players with quality that know how to play. It's a great opportunity to test and push ourselves'.

As for the end of the championship, we'll see. Right now we are focused on tomorrow. The defence has worked well, but for me, defence means the whole team, not just the four defenders. When we do it as a team we are more compact. We are solid across the pitch, putting less pressure on the two full-backs and the two central defenders. We must carry this attitude with us, defending tooth and nail, regardless of who plays.'

THE WORDS OF RAFA BENITEZ

'Speaking about Rafa for me is easy. I'm acquainted with one of the very best. Winning competitions in three different countries, both in Europe and domestically, is not for everyone. There aren't many coaches like that around. I'm fortunate to have gotten to know a great coach and a great person'.