To mortgage salvation and to lull dreams: same goals, equal desire between Messina and Foggia who today will compete at the “Franco Scoglio” in a contest of double, if not even triple, value, since it is (precisely) a direct clash which can give a specific weight to the season of both teams. For this reason, the public is expected for special occasions, thanks to a timetable that is finally accessible and weather conditions that could favor the influx of athletes to the field. 5000 spectators are expected for a well-deserved glimpse of two teams who are doing well and offering good football. 400 students and a large group from the province will participate in the competition. We are moving towards the seasonal attendance record.
The pre-match. No conference for coach Giacomo Modica, it was up to the Apulian coach Mirko Cudini to outline the themes of the match: «It will be an important match for the grouping between playoffs and playouts, we are all there – he admitted -, important for everything. To consolidate the first objective we must put in an excellent performance on the pitch from a team that is healthy and well, has changed its formation along the way, has found the right balance, that attacks a lot. We have to win points, which we don't always manage to do away from home, we will need something more in terms of performance and attitude. We arrive with great enthusiasm because having won at home gives us awareness, but we have to think from game to game. We meet a team different from Juve Stabia, with important characteristics. However, we will play in Messina aware of our qualities.”
Opponents with 3-4-3. Rossoneri who will present themselves at San Filippo with the usual 3-4-3, while Modica with the return of Emmausso will have to choose whether to return to the 4-2-3-1 or give continuity to the 4-3-3 of the last two weeks: « Already in the first leg when he came to us, Messina had already shown good individuals, like Zunno – recalled Cudini -. They have an offensive department with players with different characteristics, but each capable of making an impact. Sometimes it takes a while when you build a team and they have paid that price too. Now they are healthy and they are doing well at home, it is true that they are coming off two draws away from home but they are a solid team and we will have to try to exploit their weaknesses. They will put a lot of competitive spirit into it and we will have to be ready.”
Manetta-Polito runoff. In the Giallorossi home several doubts about the formation which will be resolved soon. Fumagalli between the posts, Franco in midfield and Zunno in attack are the three certainties. Then many ballots. On the right Salvo threatens Lia who should however play as a starter, on the left Ortisi is ready but also watch out for Polito who is also competing for a place with Manetta. In midfield, if it were to be three-man, Frisenna and Firenze should be the complete players (these two on the ballot in case of 4-2-3-1). The issue is represented by Emmausso's employment from the first minute or less, returning after two days of suspensions. The playmaker is fine and Modica seems strongly tempted to launch him from the first minute. Should he be the starter as he seems to be, we would go with the formation with the attacking midfielder, with Zunno on one wing and Rosafio on the other. As an offensive terminal, Plescia from the first minute.
On the Rossoneri side Riccardi, Vezzoni, Carillo, Marzupio and Santaniello will be missing. Salines and Di Noia are back in the group but should sit on the bench.