Hellas Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini said that the skills of Juan Manuel Iturbe are enhanced by the way the team plays.
The Argentinian winger is a doubt for the game against Lazio but has been in excellent form for the Mastini all season.
“[Massimo] Donati, [Raphael] Martinho and [Daniele] Cacia will definitely be unavailable,” Mandorlini told the press.
“Romulo has re-joined the squad and so he is at disposal.”
He specifically discussed the condition of Iturbe, who suffered a knock in the last game and was subbed off after 35 minutes.
“We need to have patience with him, because we are two days away,” the tactician continued.
“So far, he has never trained with the rest of the group and without training he will not come with us to Rome.
“In the last session he improved a lot, we will try to insert him gradually and in the final training sessions then, we will do our last evaluations.”
He added that it is inevitable the he will be targeted by the defenders.
“Unfortunately, with his skills he is destined to receive many knocks, he is quicker than the others,” Mandorlini stated.
“Surely though, this must not become an excuse to systematically massacre him.
“What makes me happy the most is his growth, he improved a lot.”
He was asked whether the one against Lazio will be a fundamental game.
“Surely it is very important but there are still many results available, because other teams are involved in the Europa League race.
“In the three final games we can play for something important.
“Winning would be optimal.
“We need to focus on our run, trying to make the most points possible, we will draw the balance at the end of the year.
“Speaking of rivals is difficult, we all have the same odds, beside who has more or fewer points at this stage.”
He discussed the general form of the squad.
“Everybody knows it is a delicate moment, you can perceive their will.
“Also the injured players bite the bullet to be available.”
He admitted that Iturbe is very important for them, but that also the team is important for him.
“I do not understand because, for instance, when you talk about Roma you underline the collective game and not the single players, while when you speak about Hellas Verona, you speak only about Iturbe.
“He is doing great things because the team works well and put him in condition to express at his best.”
He discussed their opponents Lazio who are in something of good form at the moment.
“They are much better, compared to the first match [Verona played against them], and they have recovered all the players and [Miroslav] Klose renewed.
“Their ability is undisputable and we know how tough it will be.
“We have grown too, we stand a chance, we are the real surprise in this race for Europe and this probably helps us to ease the pressure.
“We have lost some games that we should not have lost.
“However, in Serie A some missteps can happen, the important thing is to return to earning points, now the fun part starts.”
Towards the end of the press conference Mandorlini was asked if Lazio would be a tough opponent because of their versatility.
“They have many choices and different ways of playing, they have high technical values, even though their season is not positive.
“Despite the hostile environment and a difficult path, they are making many points.”
Before adding his thoughts on this Hellas Verona squad re-writing history.
“We do not think about what will be.
“It would be fantastic to write some more pages of the history of this club, we have the possibility and this is already great.
“We are fine, but on Monday we will be severely tested.”
