Seven points in three days and first place in the standings, but the feeling is that a hint of confusion reigns around Messina. It is the paradox of a team that is doing its duty in terms of results, but over which a sense of incompleteness hovers. The club works hard, has invested a lot to remedy relegation and immediately return to Serie D, but now it must find a precise direction without constant changes of direction.
The desire to play the match against Gymnica Scordia at the “Celeste” is the photograph of this, despite the fact that just two weeks ago Messina had made the “Franco Scoglio” official as its headquarters. A choice shared by the technical staff, sports area, management and ownership. Then the change of mind and the attempt to return to the “Celeste” which clashes with an institutional approval that does not arrive.
And then on Sunday we will play at 3.30 pm at the “Franco Scoglio”. A ballet that restores the dimension of a society that, despite having good will and the desire to do well, is still wavering, but taking a direction and remaining consistent with its choices is fundamental. Also because the Eccellenza is a tough tournament and Messina must be put in the best conditions to face it. Here no one considers football an after-work activity: you work like professionals, footballers live like athletes and deserve to be able to work in the best conditions.
Then there’s the pitch: Messina wins, but isn’t entirely convincing. Three goals in the Cup and a difficult start in the championship in terms of play, although the seven points gained on the pitch are worth the record in cohabitation with Nebros and Mazzarrone. The last outing with Athletic Gioiosa left some questions, with Sarao’s opening goal and a game spent defending the lead. Nobody expects “champagne football”, but from a team built to dominate it would be reasonable to expect less suffering.
Is there a tactical problem? The 4-2-3-1 often leaves the two midfielders numerically inferior, especially when the attacking midfielder is unable to act as a link between midfield and attack, acting more as a second striker than as a reference between the lines. The 4-3-3 could become more of an option.
A Gioiosa Giunta came on in the second half for Bonanno, but still acted further ahead than the two midfielders: the music didn’t change and Messina suffered until the final stages. Sunday the challenge with Gymnica Scordia who is looking for a new technical guide after the resignation of Mimmo Provenzano.
