“Hot” moments in the Amaranth house one day before the debut in the Italian Cup. Tomorrow appointment at the Granillo at 17. In fact, Reggina will face Vibonese in a derby with a championship flavour. The group is working at the “Sant’Agata” to prepare for the match. Today is the final training session and Pergolizzi’s conference, who can breathe a sigh of relief for the recovery of almost all the injured players. In fact, Barranco and Renelus will be there (again in the group). Rajkovic is in doubt, not yet at one hundred percent, but he could debut at the “d’Alcontres”. The advanced department, therefore, is almost complete. The coach will certainly focus on 3-5-2, the module that suits him best. It is essential to start off on the right foot, given that the away match in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto against Igea Virtus is on the horizon.
Returning to the Cup, the Ipponians are tough opponents and will aim to make a good impression. If the score remains tied at the ninetieth minute, qualification will be decided by penalty kicks. No extra time. Pergolizzi’s eleven will be the favorites, even if they will not have the entire support of the public on their side. The organized fans, in fact, have announced that they will remain outside the stadium, in protest against the “high ticket prices” but also for the closure («which no one has monitored») of the Curva Sud for work on the swimming pool, because they will have the support of the public on their side.
The lineup is already decided with Barillà, Porcino and Ba in midfield. The captain dreams of the winning goal and will try to stay closer and closer to the goal. He will be a “masked” attacking midfielder. Last year he scored twelve goals, plus six assists. One of these was scored in the playoff semifinal at the “Razza” where he decided the match, opening the doors to the final for the Amaranto. Important numbers for a thirty-six-year-old midfielder. He is no longer a kid, yet he has an exceptional temperament. Ballarino has renewed his contract until 2026.
There is curiosity in seeing Ba at work, appreciated by the insiders. The coach is an admirer of his, so much so that he wanted him on the shores of the Strait.
The last precedent in Reggio between the two teams dates back to November 12, 2023. It ended with a dull 0-0. The rossoblù have never conquered the Granillo. Tomorrow will be the thirteenth official match between Reggina and Vibonese, including the challenges at the “Razza”. The balance, up to now, certifies six Amaranto victories, four draws and two victories for Facciolo’s team.
Market. The professional market closed yesterday evening, while the amateur market will end on September 30th. Bonanno has two new arrivals in his sights. Pergolizzi has declared that something is missing, but not in the forwards. A defender and a playmaker will arrive. Dall’Oglio is close, a name that the fans don’t like. The sporting director also likes the former Cavese player Urso, who is a free agent. Reggina, in the meantime, announced that it has acquired the rights to the sports performances of defender Gianfranco Giuliodori who is tying himself to the club with a two-year contract. Argentine, 2004, in the last tournament he wore the Aquila jersey. He had already been training at Sant’Agata for a couple of days. The problem, however, concerns the exits. The Rosseti issue must be resolved, as it is not part of the coach’s plans. The former Siena player is coming off a troubled season, conditioned by injuries and suspensions. The managers hope to place him. The same goes for Martinez, who was also excluded in the test with Val Gallico. The Spaniard seems out of the project at the moment, although he could always return. At the moment, they are giving confidence to the young Lumia, born in 2004.
