Finally a week full of work to prepare for tomorrow’s delicate match against Latina: after the fiery October and the home defeat against Benevento, the second in a row after that of Taranto, Messina wants and must raise its head by facing a team that currently boasts eight points more than the Peloritani in the standingsbut that doesn’t mean it should be intimidating.
The Giallorossi want to return to conquering full spoils, recovering ground in the standings and morale after the recent uninspiring streak. With the Pontini it is not a crossroads, considering the amount of points still up for grabs, but it is certainly an important challenge also for the commitments on the horizon in November: the away match in Foggia, the match against leaders Juve Stabia and then away from home with the current bringing up the rear Monterosi. Few calculations but facts. Too early to make calculations, but the ACR certainly needs to find certainties and also understand whether the chosen pieces are compatible with the technical project that is being developed.
Giacomo Modica will have to do without Ortisi, which up to now has made up for the personnel shortages on the left flank of defence. With the former Casarano disqualified, there are three solutions tested this week: the most “natural” one involves the use of Tropea, the only left-handed full-back in the squad, then the adaptation of Polito or the less offensive option which involves moving Pacciardi’s side. The recovery of Luciani (adductor problem) and Ferrara (ankle trouble) is difficult. The choices in midfield remain to be deciphered, but in all likelihood there will be Frisenna and Franco: third jersey in the balance between Giunta and Firenze. Plescia is certain in front, other ballots on the sides with Emmausso very likely and the other “dancing” shirt, for which Zammit also seems to be in the running, having never started so far.
Previous. No defeat for Messina in the four previous matches in Sicily against the Nerazzurri. In the last two, there have been just as many successes: the most recent in October 2022 with a poker (4-1) scored by Catania (double), Iannone and Fiorani, guest goal by Carletti). Two seasons ago, however, a narrow victory (1-0) with the goal scored by Morelli.
