Puggioni focused on derby: “Viviano is a huge asset, but I’m ready”

Making your debut for the team you’ve supported all your life in the biggest match of them all: the Derby della Lanterna.

It may seem like something out of a Hollywood film, but Christian Puggioni is taking the twist of fate in his stride.

The veteran Italian is busy preparing for Saturday’s Genoa derby, with first-choice keeper Emiliano Viviano out with a wrist injury picked up against Pescara, and Puggioni can’t wait for the big day.

“There’s no better match for us to put into practice everything we’ve been working on with the coach since the summer,” Puggioni told Samp TV on Thursday.

Ever the humble back-up, Puggioni was quick to praise the man he’ll be stepping in for on Saturday too: “Viviano is an important player for the team – he’s definitely a big asset.”

Check out the full interview below!