Raffaele Palladino of Monza says the team will play for Pablo Mari against Bologna after the defender was hurt in a stabbing incident at a store in Milan.
During a frightening event, one person died and Monza’s on-loan Arsenal centre-back Mari was among five others hurt, with a suspect apprehended after being disarmed on Thursday.
After successful back surgery, the Spanish defender is anticipated to be absent for at least two months.
Raffaele Palladino’s comment
“It’s not that we didn’t want to play. The first news shook the whole group and it’s normal that we were shocked,” Paladino replied when asked about not postponing the upcoming game.
“Initially we thought about a postponement, but the team reacted well especially when they learned that Pablo was out of danger.
“A bad week, but at the same time beautiful. Pablo Mari is a miracle worker. Our duty is to play and go on the pitch and give everything also for our team-mate. We have no regrets over not postponing.”
Filippo Ranocchia’s reaction
Former Juventus winger Filippo Ranocchia confirmed Palladino’s sentiments, assuring Monza that Mari will be on their minds in their upcoming Serie A match.
“We couldn’t believe it, it seemed absurd that one of our team-mates had been stabbed while shopping with his family. It was shocking news for everyone,” Ranocchia told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“When we heard that his life was not in danger it was a huge relief, we wanted to go and see him right away, but the team told us it was better to wait.
“After the operation. We knew he had to sleep, but we sent him messages in the team chat. When he woke up and wrote to us that the worst was over and that he couldn’t wait to come back, it was beautiful.
“We will play for Pablo but also for Luis Fernando Ruggieri who lost his life in this crazy attack. Our thoughts go out to him, to his loved ones and to all the people involved in that night of terror.”
