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| Marchetti targets Europe |
Thursday 23 April, 2009 |
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Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti says he would be the happiest man on the planet if his side qualify for next season's Europa Cup.
The Sardi have been one of this year's revelations and currently lie eighth in Serie A with just six games remaining.
“It's tough. We know six finals await us, four away and two at home, but we are motivated and feel good physically. Who knows what will happen,” Marchetti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Marchetti has had an excellent season between the sticks and is now being touted as a successor to Gigi Buffon.
The 26-year-old former Torino youngster was the man of the match against Napoli at the weekend, producing a string of saves that helped Cagliari secure a 2-0 win.
“It wasn't my victory alone, but that of the group,” he explained. “We'll do our accounts on May 31, but if we were to do it I would be the happiest man on the planet.”
Despite starting the season with five straight defeats, Cagliari actually have the fifth best defence in the League.
“I have to thank the club, Coach Allegri, Landucci and also my teammates,” Marchetti said. “In the beginning I was nervous, then things improved.”
Having won 14 games - just three fewer than the 1970 Scudetto winning side led by Gigi Riva - Marchetti was then asked for the secret behind Cagliari's success.
“We have always played football without making needless speculations,” he explained. “We have always sacrificed ourselves.”
Cagliari's bid to qualify for the Europa Cup continues this weekend when they travel to Sampdoria, who currently lie 13th in Serie A.
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