In the press room at the Orogel Stadium-Dino Manuzzi, manager Alessandro Diamanti previewed the Modena FC v Cesena FC fixture, part of Matchday 8 of the 2026/27 Serie BKT season, scheduled for Saturday 24 October at 3.00 pm at the "Alberto Braglia" Stadium in Modena.
“We’ve prepared well for the match against Modena, who are a strong side with plenty of options and have been built to win, so they deserve respect. We know they have many strengths with which they can cause us problems, but they also have weaknesses, like all teams. During the week, we’ve worked on the areas where we need to improve, trying to exploit their weaknesses whilst being wary of their strengths, because they’re a very dangerous side.”
“This week we’ve worked hard and well, both physically and tactically, and we’ve enjoyed ourselves. I’ll say it again: we’re raring to go for this derby, because playing it – as I told the lads – is a privilege. It’s only natural that the fans care deeply about it, and we must – as I said at the first press conference – identify with the fans; so we always have to give that little bit extra, in every match. The derby is a special match; it’s pointless to say they’re all the same, because that’s not true. I’ve been lucky enough to play in many of them, and the lads have already experienced them too, even if some have played in a few more. The derby is great to play in and great to experience.”
“On my first day, I told you straight away that there’s nothing better for a fan than to feel connected to the team and identify with it. Tomorrow I’ll let the fans give the pre-match talk, which will certainly be more exciting and motivational than mine. The week has gone really well and we mustn’t let anxiety get the better of us, because it’s just a football match. Mentally, we need to be focused on doing the things we know how to do, with great energy and conviction, because that must be our strength. I always say: when you do what you have to do every day, then on a Sunday you should enjoy yourself and give it your all, without overthinking it.”
The full press conference is available on the YouTube channel of Cesena FC:
