El Rojo opened the season with a traditional draw against Boca, followed by a match against Oro and Cielo. The early results set the tone for a club eager to rebound from a turbulent previous year and to reestablish its image on and off the pitch. In the friendly triangle that included Boca, the team aimed to demonstrate progress and resilience as it prepared for the regular calendar ahead.
After a 2022 filled with footballing action and organizational challenges, Independiente enters the new year with a clear objective: restore confidence among fans and partners. The club faces Chilean Everton in a friendly setup that tests the squad’s depth while keeping focus on improving performances ahead of more competitive fixtures in the schedule. The draw with Boca in the first leg remains a reference point for the team as it continues to build cohesion and momentum.
THE CALLED INDEPENDENT
Independiente is among the clubs that have undergone significant changes since the end of last season. A fresh leadership line was established as Leandro Stillitano arrived to replace the outgoing Julio Cesar Falcioni. The new coaching staff signaled a shift in approach and philosophy, aiming to cultivate a stronger identity on the field.
The roster also experienced a substantial turnover. Thirteen players departed, including Milton Álvarez, Sebastián Sosa, Renzo Bacchia, Alex Vigo, Gonzalo Asís, Juan Insaurralde, Lucas Rodríguez, Juan Pacchini, Lucas Romero, Alan Soñora, Leandro Fernández, Damián Batallini, and Facundo Ferreyra. In contrast, the club welcomed nine new arrivals ready to contribute in different roles: Kevin López, Mauricio Cuero, Martín Cauteruccio, Rodrigo Rey, Damián Pérez, Luciano Gómez, Agustín Mulet, Matías Giménez, and Javier Báez.
THE TRAINING OF INDEPENDENT
The goalless draw with Boca Juniors followed by a defeat in a recent friendly underscored the need for adjustments. The Reds faced a 68th-minute dismissal of Sergio Barreto in a match against Boca, prompting the coaching staff to rethink the lineup and tactics. Stillitano outlined plans for a completely new formation to be tested in upcoming sessions and friendly performances, signaling a proactive approach to refine the team’s balance and pressing tendencies.
For the first time in front of the cameras, Stillitano prepared to give minutes to some of the reinforcements earlier seen in behind-closed-doors scrimmages. Damián Pérez, Kevin López, Mauricio Cuero, and Martín Cauteruccio were slated to make their formal debuts in the red shirt, adding fresh dimensions to the lineup and offering the coach additional options in attack and midfield roles.
The starting XI for Independiente was outlined as follows: Diego Segovia in goal; Patricio Otachuk, Joaquín Laso, Fernando Da Rosa, Damián Pérez in defense; Kevin López and Sergio Ortiz in midfield; Mauricio Cuero, Tomás Pozzo, Brian Martinez in the middle sector; and Martín Cauteruccio leading the attack. The team was under the careful guidance of coach Leandro Stillitano, who emphasized a pragmatic yet ambitious game plan designed to convert potential into tangible results.
INDEPENDENT REPLACEMENTS
The squad depth was highlighted by a group of substitute options that included Rodrigo Rey in goal, Luciano Gómez, Edgar Elizalde, Ayrton Costa in defense, Ivan Marcone and Agustín Mulet in midfield, and a collection of forwards and wingers such as Lucas Gonzalez, Juan Cazares, Rodrigo Márquez, Matías Giménez, and López, alongside Mastrolorenzo and Salle in reserve roles. The mix suggested a versatile roster capable of adapting to different tactical setups as the season unfolds.
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Citation: Goal