AC Milan's fullback Federica Rizza spoke to the Milan Press microphones in which she talked about several interesting topics.
Here her words:
Another starring season, what's your goal?
"The season is very positive; despite the last two defeats we have suffered. Our goal is the Champions League, it has always been the one from the beginning. Now we are just a few points from the top of the table, we will try and believe until the end".
There's the derby on Sunday.
"The derby has always been a match in its own, which give us a thrill. We are preparing with serenity, calmly. We know how to do it, we have to try to redeem ourselves from the defeat in the Coppa Italia. This charges us up, we want to get on the pitch".
A redemption, after the defeat in the Coppa Italia.
"There is also the Coppa Italia, yes. We have the chance to go to the final, we will do everything to get there: we play everything in the second leg against Inter".
How do you experience the lack of fans in stadiums?
"There is a lot missing, especially when we have to get a comeback. In difficult matches you feel much more their absence, the contribution of our fans is fundamental. Without them we must rely only on ourselves, on our companions".
When they come back, there will be many more than before...
"It's not easy to see the empty stadiums, every time it's a blow. We are used to it now, but the empty grandstand is not beautiful at all. Just these days we wondered what it will be like when they come back, we will be extremely excited when we hear their voices at the stadium and all the chants for us".
Women's football is growing, have you felt this step forward?
"We have a lot of followers on social media now, people recognize us around and ask for autographs. Even matches are now broadcast on television, our world is growing and there is no question about it. This makes us proud, it is nice to get these attention that were not there before".
You are the example to the little footballers of the future.
"It's very nice to give girls more female role models in the sport. It's nice even when they come to play games, they look at us with admiration. We are very proud of that, we are the examples and we want to be something constructive".
You're a real, united group, what's the secret?
"It's all about the people who make it up. Before we're footballers, we're women with values. This makes it easier to create a team, there is a lot of closeness. The same goes for the club that always supports us, this has created a huge group. We are serene, we want to be together, to be a group then it leads to good results".
What role does Ganz play in the locker room?
"He has always approached us amicably, he is a very nice person. This makes the player-coach relationship easier. It is one of our strengths, it has charisma and desire to win".
Have you revealed any secrets to winning this derby?
"There are no secrets, he always tells us to believe in us. Every result depends on us and what we want to achieve. If we put our qualities on the pitch, it will be hard for the opponents. It would be crucial to win this derby."
Image credits: acmilan.com
