From Sunday we get serious, with no calculations or qualifications to conquer. For Messina the journey begins along thirty “stops” through eastern Sicily, with the three points up for grabs and the debut of Augusta as the inaugural stage.
No match will be taken for granted, regardless of the level or name of the opponent and coach Alfio Torrisi is especially aware of this, having already against Messana Riviera been able to admire an opponent who played with organization and personality: «They produced a performance full of content, with a well-defined tactical imprint and facing us head on». And this is already a warning for the championship: Messina will inevitably be the team to beat, but they will have to learn to manage matches in which their opponents show enthusiasm and aggression.
Last Sunday’s match showed a still imperfect first half and a second half of much greater depth. Torrisi spoke of «many individual technical errors», of little patience in the construction and of an excessive search for verticalization, also thanks to the opponent’s high pressure. The change of gear came after the break, when the coach asked for a “devastating” approach, inviting the team to “attack the match immediately”.
Beyond the quality of the individuals, it will be necessary to find that ability to impose rhythm and intensity with continuity. Also because Torrisi does not have rigid hierarchies. Zampa, Tanasa, Giunta and Langone compete for space in the middle of the pitch, but the concept expressed by the coach is clear: no one is guaranteed a place. Whoever works best during the week will play. This was demonstrated by the choice to reward Langone, who up until now has remained on the fringes of the rotations, giving up a few minutes scheduled for Blondett.
And then there are the signals that go beyond tactics. The penalty awarded by Sarao to Bollino is read by Torrisi as one of those small gestures through which «this team is becoming a team». Even more significant is the example of Sarao himself, capable of continuing to press in the 94th minute at 3-0: «It’s the DNA I want to build, a team that isn’t satisfied and considers every ball an opportunity to demonstrate mentality. The younger ones must see that players of the caliber like Sarao run all over the pitch after achieving a result, a job must be an incentive for everyone that we must have this hunger.”
Towards Augusta the muscular ailments of Giunta and Palumbo will have to be evaluated: both left the field at the first adductor discomfort and should not cause concern. The team’s condition already appeared good, in line with their debut in the championship: «Beyond the physical aspect – Torrisi comments – we must have a winning mentality».
