Ready as soon as he was called up, he kept his sheet clean and also made a decisive save. At the end of the match, the Nerazzurri goalkeeper Marco Sportiello claimed: “Very difficult match”.

Marco Sportiello, it was a difficult match against a Genoa side that caused you some trouble.

“Yes. It was a very difficult match. We knew that. Since they’ve had this new coach, they have caused trouble to many teams. Anyway, we had a lot of goal-scoring opportunities. But the ball never entered the net. Let’s look ahead. Let’s focus on Thursday.”

Anyway, as soon as you were called up, you were ready straight away.

“Yes. I played my game and did what I had to. I’ve been playing little this year but I don’t feel like a second-choice goalkeeper, anyway. So, I’m aware of what I can give. I’m happy to be back on the pitch and to give my contribution to the team.”

In spite of drawing 0-0, you came really close to scoring on many occasions.

“Yes. In the first half, too. Anyway, the match was blocked, we had a few chances, we won the ball in their half of the pitch. I remember that Luis [Muriel] clipped the post. And then, in the second half, we had 3 or 4 attempts, the ball didn’t go in, though. The league is difficult, there are many teams and you drop many points along the way but it’s okay. We’re aware of it. We’re moving forward as we have some more matches to play.”

Did last Thursday’s match have an impact on you?

“No, the team didn’t seem tired to me. On the contrary. The coach also made some changes, he rotated a bit. It’s okay considering the double commitment. We spent a lot of energy the other night. We put in a great performance against Bayer Leverkusen at home. And now an amazing and prestigious match awaits us.”