José Mourinho makes call on starting XI for Benfica v Braga | OneFootball

Gianluca Prestianni - who was close to leaving Benfica - is expected to be in the starting 11 in the League Cup semi-final. The young Argentine has been gaining space in the options and is preparing to take on the starting role in the decisive match. José Mourinho seems impressed with the qualities of the winger, who is expected to be the big surprise in the team that will take the field.

Prestianni grows with Mourinho

The performances of the number 25 have greatly pleased the coaching staff. The Setúbal-born coach sees the player as a fundamental weapon to unbalance the Minho defense. The confidence placed in the South American reflects the sustained growth he has shown in training and in the minutes of competition he is given.

After the 3-1 victory against Estoril, the coach praised the player's tactical evolution: "He has learned to defend better. In a team like ours, which fundamentally defends zonally, it is necessary to know and analyze the game, the moment, and the positioning of the ball. He is growing in this aspect."

Victory in Benfica - Braga is the only result that matters

The kickoff of the match is scheduled for next Wednesday, January 7. Benfica and Braga will face off at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, in Leiria, starting at 8:00 PM. This final four match of the Allianz Cup will be officiated by the Portuguese international referee João Pinheiro.

This season, playing for Benfica, Gianluca Prestianni – valued at 12 million euros – has played 20 games: 13 in Liga Portugal Betclic, four in the Champions League, one in the Portuguese Cup, one in the League Cup, and one in the Super Cup. In the 702 minutes he was on the field, the Argentine scored two goals and made one assist.

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