Here we are: Matt Rizzetta is one step away from becoming the new owner of Reggina. Today, barring sensational twists, the preliminary sales contract will be signed which will sanction the transfer of the club. The operation should close on the basis of a figure close to 2 million euros, including debts. Ballarino, after weeks of negotiations, would have succumbed to the flattery of the Italian-American investor, now ready to purchase the Amaranth company. But when will the closing arrive? The definitive closing of the operation is expected by the end of June. In the next few days the due diligence phase will begin, which will be followed by the notarial passage which will sanction the transfer of the shares. The American entrepreneur, of Calabrian origins, will leave next week for Italy. He will leave New York to reach Campobasso, where a press conference is scheduled for June 12th, which could also be postponed to the 13th. Subsequently he will stop in Reggio, where, presumably, the first meeting with the current ownership will take place.
The Ballarino-Minniti tandem will prepare to welcome him in a phase that could prove decisive for the future of Reggina. The fans are anxiously awaiting the evolution of the situation. The market demands certainties and the Rizzetta solution seems to meet with the favor of a significant part of the public. Reggio is a demanding reality, with a strong hunger for victories. From the Curva Sud comes the request for a clear change: many supporters would not tolerate another season with the professor from Catania.
In this regard, the stars and stripes manager, from the statements released to the Gazzetta del Sud, demonstrated that he has clear ideas: «I have always maintained a very intense relationship with Reggio Calabria and with my Calabrian roots. The Amaranth team, due to its history, tradition and enthusiasm of its people, has always been one of the very few teams that I would have considered. Should the discussions have a happy ending, the objective would be to restore football dignity to a city that I consider among the most fascinating and passionate in Italy.”
Having said that, who will Rizzetta entrust the keys to building the staff to? On pole there would be sporting director Domenico Fracchiolla. The name of Stefano De Angelis is also circulating, until last February at Sambenedettese. The Italian-American knows him well and he too would therefore have ended up on his agenda. Angelo Maiolo remains in pole position for the role of club manager. Locrian blood flows in the latter’s veins and he would come running to the shores of the Strait. With Fracchiolla they are friends.
Coach chapter. Alfio Torrisi will take his chances, also thanks to the results obtained. However, Matt Rizzetta’s collaborators are apparently following other leads, including the one that would lead to Davide Dionigi. The suggestion is represented by Mimmo Toscano, a profile much appreciated by the environment. However, a crucial issue remains: would you agree to go down to Serie D? In the presence of an ambitious project, his involvement cannot be ruled out. Finally, Rosario Pergolizzi, already a winner with Rizzetta, is also back in fashion: together they won a championship by bringing Campobasso back to the Lega Pro. The idea would be to build a competitive team capable of playing a leading role, restoring vigor to a demanding square, but deeply linked to its colours. Between returns and new applications, the feeling is that the game has just begun.
