A month has passed since the last match between Grasshopper and Lugano, which ended in a 1-1 draw. On Sunday, 1 March 2026, at 4:30 p.m., the Grasshoppers and the Bianconeri will face each other again on the same pitch at Letzigrund in the 27th round of the Brack Super League.
As usual, the presentation of the next fixture on the calendar will be entrusted to a press conference led by coach Mattia Croci-Torti, who will be joined on this occasion by Daniel Dos Santos, who with nine assists this season is just one behind the duo of Matteo Di Giusto and Xherdan Shaqiri, the only players so far to have reached double figures in terms of decisive passes to their teammates.
MATTIA CROCI-TORTI: WE GIVE EVERY MATCH THE IMPORTANCE IT DESERVES
First and foremost, the Sottocenerino leader shares his personal feelings about the 90 minutes against the Confederates: The match we are about to face will be a little different from the one we played four weeks ago. Grasshopper has been active in the transfer market, bringing in four or five new players. Their dynamics have changed, but we will need to be good at understanding how we can cause them problems. Matches in Zurich are always a bit strange because of the atmosphere and surroundings, which don't give you much motivation. However, we will try to win a match that we lost at the end of January and take home the three points.
The next topic concerns the list of players on yellow cards, which has risen to seven: Compared to a month ago, we have a more complete squad. On the pitch, we know we also need to be smart in assessing various situations. In football, it's really important to give every match the right importance. We now have a very important week ahead of us, during which we will face teams that don't want to be relegated (Grasshopper), overtake us (Sion) or get into the top six (Lucerne).
Every Sunday there is a different opponent, what matters is to beat them by reading the game well. Our aim is to put in the best possible performance, facing the opponent with character and without settling for less. What also matters is maintaining a certain balance. Comparing him with players from the past – such as Ignacio Aliseda and Mohammed Amoura, two players who can make a difference out of nothing – I can say that in recent months, based on statistics and performances, Daniel Dos Santos, who is here next to me, is our key player at the moment, commented the coach from Sottocenerino.
DANIEL DOS SANTOS: CONFIDENCE IS GROWING, BUT THE SEASON IS STILL LONG
The nine assists provided by the 23-year-old so far are a remarkable statistic. However, my goals are always the same, which is to help the team at every opportunity. I try to give 100%, and to do that, I believe that the way you train every day is important. In any case, I remain grounded and continue in my goal of helping my teammates, trying to increase the way I deliver my potential.
Regarding his personal situation, the playmaker states: I've gained a lot of confidence. It comes from both my teammates and the entire staff. If you have these feelings, I believe you grow steadily as a person. The season isn't over yet; we still have twelve games to play. During this period, I want to continue to give my best.
Comparisons with the Aliseda-Amoura duo? It's nice to hear that from my coach. However, we now have to focus on the next three games in quick succession. Regardless of what the future holds, I will try as usual to perform to the best of my ability.