Piccinato eyes São Paulo clash, urges FPF fairness, hails Brabinhas | OneFootball

With the top spot secured in advance, Corinthians defeated Realidade Jovem with an alternative lineup and found out their semifinal opponent: São Paulo. A thorn in the side for the Brabas this season, Piccinato spoke about the difficulty of the matchup, criticized the Paulista Football Federation (FPF) schedule, and celebrated the debut of youth players.

“I think the expectation was that it would be (against São Paulo). I think it would have taken a very unlikely combination of results for the opponent not to be São Paulo. They are a great opponent, one we have already faced several times this season. This has its positive side because we know them very well, and its negative side because we know them very well,” the coach began in the mixed zone.

Photo: Celio Messias/Ag.Paulistão

“So, I think it will be a chess match, two games where we need to go in with a clear head to play two good matches. We hope the Paulista Federation will show some sense regarding the return leg, because like it or not, we are quite disadvantaged if the game is confirmed for December 3rd. I understand the whole scheduling issue, but I think the Federation could move it, maybe to the 7th, for the second semifinal and hold the two finals on the 10th and 14th.,” he concluded, criticizing the possible date for the return match.

With nothing at stake, the coaching staff fielded an alternative team to face Realidade Jovem, with players who have had few minutes and youth academy players. Rafa Santos, for example, played her first match for the professional team.

“Obviously, when you step up to play for Corinthians’ professional team, it’s a big responsibility, there are many renowned athletes, so the playing time isn’t as high as it could be for them. But I think all of them came in, delivered, and managed to play to their limit. Obviously, it was a very different team from what we’re used to, but I’m happy for the debut of the girls from the youth academy, that they were able to take their first step today“, commented Piccinato.

“We have to be patient, but at the same time start giving opportunities to some of the talents we have in the youth academy so they can take up spaces that others who have already been there are occupying at the moment”, he concluded.

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