"I'm missing the goal, I'm aiming to break free in the derby"

The grenade balancer. Lorenzo Ignacchiti, a 2004-born midfielder who arrived on loan from Empoli during the summer transfer market, is a unique player in the Reggiana squad. Height (186) and strength in tackles make him perfect in the midfield interdiction, even if he has yet to score from an insertion – a characteristic appreciated in his first year among the pros with Pontedera (5 in 38 appearances) – while he will have to try to curb a bit the impetuosity that has already cost him six yellow cards and one expulsion.

Ignacchiti, we defined you as 'a balancer', a player capable of giving substance to the team. Do you see yourself in this description or is it too minimalist? "I think it's correct, I identify with what you said because I'm always very careful to make a preventive move when we attack, especially if the full-backs push forward or we are very high up".

The performance is good, but looking at the statistics, she is missing a few goals. "It's true, unfortunately I haven't managed to unlock myself yet and I think it's all a mental issue. When an episode goes in your favor, then it's more natural to put it in the net the next time."

He is very young, he will turn 21 on April 25, and still has everything to be shaped: is there any role model that he follows carefully? "I don't have any idols, but here in the team I try to learn from the more experienced players like Cigarini and Leo Stulac who have had very important careers. I try to steal from them".

This is your first Serie B championship, what are the things you have understood that you can do well at this level and what are the things you need to improve on? "I think I have improved in dribbling compared to the beginning of the season, a part of the game in which I was more lacking. Now I try to position myself in the correct way and to see the play a little earlier. Physically I feel up to it, my intensity is good... A few goals are missing". Maybe Sunday will come, in a derby with Cesena that promises to be heated... What effect does it have on you playing at the 'Città del Tricolore'? "Incredible! Going from the Serie C stadiums that are a bit like the ones they are to have a fan base like that is a dream. We have ten thousand spectators every game, it's a stimulating and beautiful thing. Now we are focused on the derby and we are preparing for it in the best way, it would be fantastic to break free in such an important game".

What kind of match do you expect? "Cesena is a strong team, with a great organization, they are hungry. I think it will be a great battle, very physical. We will have to be careful of their counterattacks, I imagine a very balanced match in which we will have to be smart to hurt them when possible".

Off the pitch, what kind of person is Ignacchiti? "Very calm, I try to have a healthy lifestyle and manage my rest and diet as best as possible. I like watching matches and studying players in a similar role to mine. The Inter players, for example, are all very strong and are a source of inspiration."