Gianluca, it went badly at Everton.
"That's true, we're not doing that well at the moment. But you need to remember that we have changed quite a bit compared to last year, and we're still a little clumsy. But all this is normal. I would be more worried if we were already in good shape, with this many days until the start of the championship."

So you think this was more an issue of timing?
"I'd say yes. Preparation is the problem. The British championship is starting this Saturday; that's quite a difference. We're still a work in progress, and I repeat, with all the new players that have arrived, it's normal that the mechanics of the team need time to adjust. It’s non unusual that things are going this way; it happens , and it's normal for them to go like this."

Last year you started right away, though.
“Last year Intertoto initially worked to our advantage: we needed results quickly, and, at least in the first few rounds, we got them. At the moment, though, the amount of work to be done remains massive and we still need time for it. Besides, Guidolin wants to see the whole team at work; there are so many of us, and each one manages to play half a game or a little more.”

Defense seems to be in more trouble than other sections.
“But it’s also true that we are now waiting for Zanchi’s recovery. When Marco returns, we’ll be well covered in defense as well.”

What do you think of the new teammates?
“They are all very good, that’s all there is to say. Especially Fausto Rossini has astonished me. We knew that he was good in the air, but he’s also quite gifted with his feet.”

And what can you say about Manninger?
“I’ve always had a dependable second keeper, and the same goes for Manninger. There is a hierarchy to be respected, and at this time I think I will be the top keeper. But I will be 37 in December; Bologna did well to protect itself with an important investment in the future. I’m certainly not troubled by his presence, I never feel down and knowing that I have a particularly good substitute on the bench gives me additional motivation to stay ahead of the game and keep on going strong.”

After the displeasure of last season’s end, the fans seems to have been satisfied.
“The management, also, has made very good moves. In this manner, it certainly gave faith to the people who were making themselves heard. But now we must start the championship well, otherwise tempers will flare again. And we must always stay united as a group, even if things don’t go well.”