There is enormous curiosity around Valencia. Even in Italy, as from this season the Spanish outfit will be led on the bench by Gennaro Gattuso, who, after the stop after the Napoli experience, and after having overcome the critical phase due to the many controversies and unfounded accusations against him, has taken this bench. A Valencia side that on paper has a decidedly soft start to the championship against a newly-promoted Girona that should not create huge headaches. Admittedly, the hosts’ pre-season has not been exciting, although it ended last week with a fine 2-1 victory over Gasperini’s Atalanta, thanks to Duro’s brace.
The Girona, as mentioned, should not create many problems. Especially at the Mestalla the whites will have to build something important, something that will allow them to dream for several weeks and not like last year when Bordalas was on the bench. That after an astonishing start, made up of full-scoring successes after the first three days, he failed to make his team maintain the constant trend that is needed in these situations. In short, Gattuso will have to work on this above all. And starting off on the right foot can only be a decidedly positive thing.
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The Prediction
A Valencia victory is predictable. Gattuso’s team – who are also looking for reinforcements between now and the end of the transfer window – have all the credentials to take their first three points of the season. In a match that could also give them at least three goals in total.
Valencia-Girona
likely line-ups
VALENCIA (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Correia, Gabriel Paulista, Comert, Gaya; Guillamon, Musah; Castillejo, Soler, Lino; Hugo Duro.
GIRONA (3-5-2): Carlos; Bueno, Bernardo, Juanpe; Martinez, Martin, Lozano, Garcia, Fernandez; Baena, Stuani.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1
