Farioli warns of tough Choupana test, urges strong mentality | OneFootball

After a hard-to-digest draw in the classic against Sporting (1-1), held at Estádio do Dragão, FC Porto travels to Madeira to face CD Nacional in Funchal (3:30 PM, Sport TV), in a match corresponding to the 22nd round of the championship, which they lead with a four-point advantage over the second-placed team and seven over the third.

After 21 rounds, the team led by Francesco Farioli has recorded 18 wins, two draws, and one loss, with 42 goals scored and seven conceded. In the first round, in Porto, the dragons triumphed over the Madeirans 1-0 through a penalty converted by Samu.

The two clubs have met 49 times in various competitions, with 37 wins for FC Porto, four draws, and eight victories for CD Nacional. Half of Porto's defeats occurred at Choupana, the most recent on January 12 of last year, in the 17th round of the Liga Portugal 2024/25 (2-0).

The tickets sold by FC Porto sold out in a few hours, and a visitor section dominated by blue and white is expected at Estádio da Madeira. The first and last name and the Citizen Card number of the members who purchased tickets on bilhetes.FC Porto.pt were sent to CD Nacional. Upon entry, FC Porto members must present their identification document in physical or digital format (via the ID.gov.pt app); photographs or photocopies are not accepted.

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FC PortoFrancesco Farioli used the pre-match conference to highlight the “many difficulties” that Nacional created at Dragão and argued that playing at Choupana represents “an extra difficulty” and “an extra challenge,” so the blue and whites must enter “very strong as always and with a great attitude.” For the Italian coach, it is indeed essential “to enter with a great attitude to restart our climb.”

Besides the travel and the pitch, he pointed out, “especially the opponent,” as the team led by Tiago Margarido can be “very dangerous for any opponent.” Farioli confirmed that Martim Fernandes will not play due to injury, as well as Francisco Moura, the latter due to suspension; however, he will be able to count on William Gomes for the match, while Samu is out after suffering a serious injury in the recent classic against Sporting.

Pablo Rosario is available again and “has already trained 100% with the team” after a “small calf injury” sustained against Casa Pia. In midfield, the debut of Seko Fofana had an impact that “was clear to everyone,” showing himself to be a player “with leadership, quality, and physicality.” In attack will be Deniz Gül, a forward “very technically advanced” and who “is a physical monster,” and the newly signed Terem Moffi, who “has been training very well, with a great attitude and the right spirit.”

Referee TeamThe Refereeing Council of the Portuguese Football Federation appointed José Bessa, from the Porto Football Association, to officiate the match. The 30-year-old referee will have Hugo Santos and Ângelo Carneiro as assistants, with Fábio Melo as the fourth official. In the VAR will be João Bento, assisted by Pedro Sousa.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.