Matarazzo knows Bournemouth boss Marco Rose well from their days coaching in Austria and Germany, and hailed the German’s work.
“It’s nice to have AFC Bournemouth here for the first time for their first Europa League match,” he said in his pre-match press conference.
“I think it’s a club that has done very good work in the past.
Pellegrino Matarazzo (Image: NQ)
“It’s not a coincidence that they have qualified for Europa, whether it’s their multi-club structure, it’s their recruiting and development of young players, or just their clear identity that they have.
“It’s very good work that’s being done, and it’s an honour to have them here for the first match.
“But we are also very excited.
“It’s very exciting, especially if you have a certain ambition in your blood. If you’ve tasted a title not too many months ago, then you want more. And we want more this season, and it starts with Europa League tomorrow.”