A first round in the name of Sasà Marra, who brought Igea Virtus, winter champions, back to fighting for the top again after many years. The reconstruction, after two tenth places which earned the same number of quiet victories, began again with the Campania coach, who re-founded, together with sporting director Agatino Chiavaro, a squad rebuilt from scratch and capable of surprising everyone with its intensity and attitude.
In the first 17 matchdays, Igea said that playing at home or away made little difference. In addition to being the team that can boast the fewest number of defeats, just two, the people of Barcelona have practically maintained the same performance both at the “D’Alcontres-Barone” – four wins, as many draws and a knockout – and away from their home stadium, where they have collected four successes, three ics signs and a setback.
The transfer line was clear from the start, with only players in the squad functional to Marra’s tactical creed (disqualified for the next two rounds), some of whom had already worked for the coach in the past. Maltese and Calafiore, the bulwarks of the old backbone, arrive, among others, Squillace, Joao Pedro, De Falco, Cess, Samake and Cicirello.
First ride, first smile. The journey begins with the qualification for the thirty-second round of the Italian Cup at the expense of Milazzo. Winning debut in the championship against Sancataldese, then the 2-2 draw for the “Salmeri” achieved with character and resilience. September brings nine points, Igea Virtus scores in bursts and puts on a show against Acireale, then two draws and a defense to record. October is the month of exploits, those against Gela and Nissa, but also of the first knockouts in the Cup and in the championship. However, another nine points are in his pocket, as in November, which opened with the conquest of the “Granillo”. The opponents are now struggling to score for the Giallorossi who, despite a few missteps, in December – here’s Longo, Provazza a Vacca to raise the bar – gave themselves an ecstatic afternoon against Savoia. Then a point in two games against Messina and Lamezia which however does not dampen the enthusiasm for an unexpected leadership journey.