---
title: "Nicolato left wanting more after the win against Gibraltar"
date: 2026-03-26T21:28:46Z
lang: en
author: "Janis Vitols"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/nicolato-left-wanting-more-after-the-win-against-gibraltar/
categories: ["Interviews", "Latvia", "UEFA Nations League"]
---

# Nicolato left wanting more after the win against Gibraltar
**Latvia head coach Paolo Nicolato admitted his dissatisfaction with the final score despite his side securing a win over Gibraltar, stressing that the performance – particularly in the second half – deserved a more convincing margin.**

_“It was a strange match, to be honest,” N_icolato said after the final whistle. _“The win made the difference, but in the second half we played very well. We deserved more goals. That’s why I’m not happy with the result – I think we should have won by more.”_

After a sluggish opening period, Latvia grew into the game and took control following the break, creating several clear-cut chances but failing to convert them. For Nicolato, that inefficiency in front of goal remains the key issue.

_“We created good opportunities and we have to score. This is football,”_ he said. _“The team is playing well overall, but we must improve in those decisive moments when we need to finish our chances.”_

The first half, however, painted a different picture. Latvia struggled to find rhythm and managed just one notable attempt, when Jānis Ikaunieks headed narrowly wide. Nicolato pointed to the difficult playing conditions as a major factor. _“There was a lot of wind, and with this pitch it’s very difficult to play,”_ he explained. _“Even stronger teams have had problems here. Albania only won 1-0, Montenegro 2-1. It’s not easy in these conditions.”_

The Italian coach also noted a sense of nervousness among his players before halftime but revealed that his message during the interval helped turn the tide. _“I told them that the second half would be a completely different match – and it was.”_

Latvia returned with greater intensity and composure, dominating possession and putting Gibraltar under sustained pressure. Still, the narrow scoreline left Nicolato frustrated. _“Sometimes our players deserve more than this,”_ he added. _“That’s why I’m not satisfied.”_

There was also a late moment of scare when goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics slipped, with the ball in his hand almost crossing the line before a foul was given. Asked what was the initial reaction on it. _“It was a tough moment for me,”_ Nicolato said with a laugh. _“But there was a foul, so nothing happened. Sometimes football comes down to small episodes – and we haven’t always been lucky in recent years.”_

Off the pitch, Nicolato reserved special praise for the travelling Latvian supporters, who made themselves heard throughout the match. _“They were incredible. I want to thank them because their help is very important for us. They should be proud of the players – their attitude is always very good.”_

Meanwhile, striker Roberts Uldriķis was left out of the squad as a precaution, with the coach explaining the decision was made to protect the forward following a long-term injury. _“He wasn’t confident playing on artificial grass,”_ Nicolato said. _“After such a long injury, we need to take care of him and all the players.”_

Latvia will now turn their attention to the return leg in Rīga on Tuesday, where Nicolato will expect not only another win, but a sharper and more clinical display.