Chennaiyin FC were the first team to qualify for the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) semifinals, sealing their spot in the top four with a 1-0 away win against Kerala Blasters FC. They must have expected a triumphant return home, but their next game ended in disappointment as they crashed to a 3-1 defeat to FC Goa in Chennai. Now, they have the opportunity to set things right in their final game, at home against Delhi Dynamos FC, and head coach Marco Materazzi is certain his side will ensure they end their league campaign on a high.“I have said this before: my team knows that top sides don’t have two bad games in a row,” emphasised Materazzi at the pre-match press conference. “We want to win the last game before the semi-finals.”A win over Delhi will guarantee top spot for Chennaiyin, who are already certain to finish in the top two, meaning they have the advantage of playing the second semi-final leg at home. “We are already in the semis and will at least be second, so we play first leg away in any case,” Materazzi said.They know they face a tough task, given their 4-1 loss in Delhi earlier in the season. The Italian gaffer expects an improved performance from his side on their home patch. “We lost 4-1 against them in Delhi, but tomorrow will be a fresh game,” said the former Inter Milan and Italy defender. Materazzi also said that with Chennaiyin having already qualified for the semifinals, they have an advantage over their opponents. “I think the pressure is on Delhi as they need a win to qualify.”Materazzi was joined by former Italy teammate and fellow World Cup winner Alessandro Nesta, who has joined Chennaiyin as a replacement for injured striker John Stiven Mendoza. “Mendoza was very important for us and we miss him,” acknowledged Materazzi. “But we couldn't get a striker as good as him, so we bought one of the best-ever defenders in Alessandro Nesta!”Nesta said he was looking forward to the experience of playing in India. “I don't know much about the ISL; I am learning from Marco, and everybody else now about it,” Nesta explained. “It is going to be an interesting experience!”The former Lazio and AC Milan defender came straight from his first ISL training session, and was in good spirits on the eve of what might be his league debut. “I had a good first session with the players today,” Nesta enthused. Having won three Serie A titles, two UEFA Champions League titles, and three triumphs in the Coppa Italia, along with that FIFA World Cup win in 2006, Nesta was in perfect position to emphasise the importance of heading into the ISL semifinals in good form.“Every game is important,” Nesta said. “We will look to win and go into the semis in good form.”Nesta may end up seeing a familiar face in the opposing lineup, if Delhi Dynamos marquee player and Juventus legend Alessandro del Piero features in the match. The two have faced up numerous times while turning out for their respective clubs in Italy, and Nesta was excited about the prospect of renewing hostilities with his former Italy teammate. “It would be nice to face Del Piero!” he said excitedly. “But my focus will be to help Chennaiyin FC win.”
