On the eve of the upcoming match, manager Ashley Cole held a press conference to preview the Cesena FC vs. UC Sampdoria match, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 PM at the Orogel Stadium - Dino Manuzzi, as part of Matchday 36 of the 2025/2026 Serie BKT Championship.

“I expect a very tough match. I believe we’re now in a situation where we have to win games like tomorrow’s against Sampdoria. They’ll be coming here to win too, that’s for sure, and I knew it would be like that, but on the other hand, they’re coming to play at our home ground. We’re ready to face them, and we have to be ready to give our all to secure the three points.”

“Bastoni is back after a week of illness and has trained well this week. Castrovilli got some playing time in the match against Palermo, and I think he showed great quality with some top-level plays. He’s been very strong in training this week, and as for his ideal role, I see him as an attacking midfielder, but also as a playmaker, or—when we need him—he can certainly play on the left or right to take advantage of his speed and his ability to help out defensively as well. I think that to get the most out of him, Castrovilli needs a team that plays him the ball between the lines, because he has the ability to drive forward and beat his man in one-on-one situations, and that puts him in a position to score goals.”

“Siano has trained well this week, but I think first and foremost our thoughts should go out to Jonathan, because he’s a very important player and always a positive presence in the locker room. Hearing the news that he had to undergo surgery was a sad moment not just for me, but for all the players. As for Siano, he’s trained really, really well. He hasn’t played in two years, it’s true, but, I repeat, he has to believe in his abilities and be ready to play. This is a responsibility not just for the goalkeeper, but for every single player. When players get injured, you have to be ready to step in, and I have a lot of confidence in him as a person. He’s very self-assured, but he’s also humble and a great teammate to the other players, as well as having always been a huge support for Jonathan. So I’m looking forward to seeing him play, and I hope he can have a big impact on tomorrow’s match.”

“What do I expect from Sampdoria? I can’t tell you exactly what you’ll see or what I expect from Sampdoria, but I can tell you what you’ll see from my team tomorrow. You’ll see a team that never stops running. The guys are ready, mentally and physically, to give more than they have given so far, because they understand the importance of it. You’ll see a team that plays with courage and character, controlling the game with and without the ball; a team that wants to put itself in a position to create chances and score goals. As I said, we’re at a point where we need to win games, but to win games, you have to score goals. So, I’m convinced you’ll see an attacking team that keeps pushing forward, keeps running, fighting, and winning duels, and plays with character to represent the crest and the jersey we wear. This is what we’ve discussed with the players this week, and it’s what I’ve reiterated to them today. For me, as I told the players, I have to stop talking now. Now I need the players to convey the messages I’m giving them, to make them their own on the field, and I’m confident that tomorrow you’ll see a different team.”

The full press conference is available on Cesena FC's YouTube channel: