by Simone Cioni EMPOLI Compared to last season when the match took place on the penultimate day with both teams in full swing for salvation, which they then both managed to celebrate ninety minutes later, Udinese-Empoli this year’s match is certainly less pressured, but especially in the light of the Italian team it still represents a match where it will be important to try to bring home at least one point. Certainly not an easy feat, but for which mister Roberto D’Aversa will be able to count on one more card in the deck, for midfield and attacking three-quarters where, in addition to the long-term patient Haas, Anjorin and Fazzini will still be missing. This is about Victor Kovalenko, who has been working all week with his new teammates after arriving as a free agent. For him, this is a return and if he were to make his seasonal debut tomorrow, he would be back on the football pitch wearing the blue jersey after almost exactly ten months: his last appearance with Empoli dates back to the away match on 28 April 2024 in Bergamo against Atalanta, when he took Fazzini’s place in the 62nd minute.
“I’m happy to be back in Empoli and I want to help the team reach its goal,” the Ukrainian began during yesterday’s official presentation, on the day of his 29th birthday. “Physically I feel good, I’ve trained a lot in recent months, working hard on certain aspects to avoid some muscular problems that have affected me in the past. I know my body well and my training program has been targeted.” Kovalenko then shifted his attention to the match in Udine. “This week we’ve worked to prepare for this match as best as possible, but as the team has always done in previous matches,” he continued. “It would be nice to be able to give my contribution on the pitch, but the important thing is to be able to get a positive result.” Although he was never used in the last four games, last year’s ‘miraculous’ salvation also bears his signature, thanks to the amazing three-point goal in Naples. “Obviously I hope to be able to score such important goals again – he added –, but the team comes first, personal goals and assists come second. The important thing is that the team wins and reaches the goal of safety, that’s what counts”.
Kovalenko then closed by talking about his integration into the group and analyzing the tactical aspect. “I didn’t know many of the guys who arrived this year, but they are all good guys and I immediately fit in well with the group, this is important – he concluded -. As for Empoli’s way of playing, it is not new to me and the coach knows where I can give my contribution. Our objective is to stay in Serie A: it is important for the owners, the club, the staff, the team and the fans.”
