“I think the break has been a good thing for all of us,” admitted first-team coach Vincenzo Italiano. “We needed a bit of a rest, especially considering we’ve played so many games since August. The lads are in good shape. They’ve come back hungry and are looking forward to getting started again. They’ve followed the programme that we gave them prior to the break and the results are there to be seen. They’ve been training hard and they’ve come back in good shape.

“Now our preparations will be very similar to what we did in the summer. We’ll work on the physical side of the game and our tactics. There will be some friendly matches as well. We’ll make sure we’re ready and we’ll approach every game with total professionalism. It’s a chance for us to bolster our performances and improve our physical condition so that we’re ready for when the league resumes. It also gives us a chance to get a few players back from injury.

“As for Gaetano Castrovilli, we’ll try to get him back into the swing of things, starting off with small-sided games in training followed by friendlies. He’s doing well and we want him to be available for the second half of the season.

“During the break, my thoughts have been focused on the team, particularly on the players involved in the World Cup. Those who’ve played have responded well, turning in fantastic performances and showing their character, which is what you need on such a prestigious stage. Congratulations to all of them, especially to [Sofyan] Amrabat, who’s doing brilliantly for Morocco.

“I’m sure the rest of the World Cup will be fantastic, hard-fought and fascinating as always.”