Simone Corino: "We played like a true team: desire, character, and hunger."

After the big win at the "Mazzella" stadium, Simone Corino is enjoying his most significant victory of the season. Ischia defeated league leaders Trastevere 2-1 after an intense, physical match, played with pride and determination. It was a team performance that confirmed the Gialloblù's growth, as they responded to a draw and prevailed with clarity and courage. The coach, post-match, praised his team: "It's a victory of hunger, of the team, and of our mentality."

Coach Corino, Trastevere loses at the Mazzella. It was a tough, tough match, but Ischia showed the identity they'd been searching for for some time. There were flashes of quality and a few distractions, but the final 2-1 win was more than deserved. "Yes, we knew we were facing a strong, very well-coached team. We did well to level the game early, finding that goal that might seem like a lucky one, but it came from our desire to keep pressing and believing in every ball. Even against a very good goalkeeper like theirs, our pressure made the difference. I liked the attitude, the hunger with which we responded.

We had prepared for the match by avoiding forcing the play too much, because we knew their quality between the lines. We maintained a good pace and fought when we had to. The goal conceded came from a move we had planned; we knew they would run to the far post. We could have managed it better, but the reaction was immediate, showing great character. It's a strong signal. I'm very happy for the lads and for our people: winning against the group leaders gives us joy and confidence."

Perhaps Manfrellotti seemed a bit isolated up front. Was it a tactical choice or a game where he received less support? "Actually, it was expected that Bojano and Koné would stay very wide, precisely to stretch their defensive line and allow Manfrellotti to attack the depth. In the first half, he worked very well in this regard, even though he often wasn't served properly: he made the right movement, but the ball would come towards him instead of vertically. These are details we'll review and work on starting Tuesday. Today, however, we can only congratulate these guys. We were facing an opponent who made it difficult for anyone, and we managed to prevail with great determination. We'll take the points and the spirited performance. Now we'll enjoy it and then immediately focus on the next match, because the championship is long and tough."

In recent weeks, Ischia has consistently demonstrated a decisive approach and a strong reaction after conceding goals. Today, the team showed character, which is not a given against a league leader. "Yes, those are precisely the aspects I liked most: their impact on the game and their reaction after the equalizer. In terms of quality, we could have improved a few decisions, especially in the final pass, but their attitude was exemplary. There's room for improvement, of course, but the foundation is solid. And I also congratulate Trastevere: we knew we were facing a great team and an excellent coach in Bernardini, who will have a great season."

We saw a compact team until the final minute: everyone defending, everyone running. Even Manfrellotti was pressing, Bojano and Koné defending, and Aniceto was very generous as soon as he came on. "We can't ignore this spirit. Without hunger and determination, you won't get anywhere, especially in a group like this. We were already talking about it on Friday: against Monastir and Olbia, we showed the same attitude, today was a mix of both games. I want eleven players who, when it comes to defending, become "animals" and don't want to concede goals. We struggled, yes, but anyone who thinks they don't struggle hasn't understood the reality of this championship. We need to reduce the moments of suffering and bring home as many points as possible, with this spirit."

What happened at the end? “Honestly, I didn't get a good look. I was told there were some tense moments, but I had already gone back to the locker room. The referee booked me, probably for something that happened off the pitch. I'm trying to improve in that area too, to be more calm, but that's fine. If I got booked every time we won, I'd sign it right away.”

One of the best players on the pitch was undoubtedly Mariani, who made at least three crucial saves. "Mariani is part of the team and an important element. As I said before the match, I'm happy to have three quality goalkeepers like Tanas, Gemito, and him. He gave us a great hand today, but I especially liked the team mentality: the willingness to suffer together. The goal now is to put him in a position where he has to perform a few less 'miracles,' which would mean we all suffer a little less."

You took Koné off at the end: shouldn't we have left a quicker striker on the counterattack, given that they had taken a big step? "It could have been a solution, yes, but I preferred to keep someone who could keep the ball and get the team moving forward. Manfrellotti did that job generously, even drawing a couple of fouls that went uncalled. Koné had a great game, like everyone else. I know I have players on the bench who are ready to come on and give their all: Aniceto proved that today, De Filippis didn't come on but remains a valuable asset. We're also recovering a few injured players, and this gives us more options. The group is expanding, and in a championship like this, every player will be decisive."

A word on the refereeing team: at 1-1, the ball seemed to have gone out, and there were some confusing situations towards the end. "I was on the other end, and honestly, I can't say whether the ball went out or not. I was wearing glasses, and I'm not a hawk. The referee and his assistants did their part; the match was tense and complicated. We should have handled certain situations better, that's all. I prefer to focus my energy on what we can improve, rather than judging them."

Just to clarify: what happened with Aijo at the end? “Nothing special. He was in line with the play, he saw something wrong, but it was nothing serious. I always try not to argue with referees: I know how difficult it is to stay focused on our job, let alone theirs. It's better to avoid it and focus on the pitch.”